Koreabridge
The most confusing thing when learning Korean (feat. 허쌤)
Why is learning Korean so difficult sometimes?
Some aspects of Korean can take lots of time to master, leading many people to consider those concepts "difficult." In reality, there's nothing difficult about the language itself (if there were, I certainly wouldn't have learned it as well as I have), but it can be difficult to spend enough time to learn some of the concepts you'll need to have fluent conversations.
So I met with 허쌤 from "Learn Real Korean" on YouTube and we talked about what some of those difficult concepts are, as well as how I was able to get past them and learn them. Spoiler alert: most of them I learned simply through time and practice. But the good news is because I did it, so can you!
Check out 허쌤 at “Learn Real Korean” and tell her Billy sent you! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMx6DvyVefA7Lh0FMBTS-sQ
The post The most confusing thing when learning Korean (feat. 허쌤) appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
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Afghan Woman Explains the State of Women’s Rights After the Taliban
Guess the Item
'Guess the Sound' Game.
1st half is 20 sounds and 5 seconds in between each sound to write down the answer.
2nd half is the sound then answer.
I hope it helps!
YouTube Channel: Etacude—ERIC O. WESCH
Teacher/YouTuber
Korean Romanization – How to write Hangeul with English letters
In learning the Korean language, specifically the Korean alphabet, Korean romanization comes in handy. In this article, we will give you a brief and compact overview of Korean romanization. This will help you understand how to use it best. Let’s get to learning!
What is Korean romanization?Korean romanization means writing out the Korean language using Roman letters or the Latin alphabet instead of Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This is used to make the texts easier to read for people who don’t know Korean.
Romanization includes rules that can be applied to transcription, which involves converting audio/sound to text, and transliteration, which converts text from one language to another while keeping the same pronunciation.
Should I learn Korean with romanization?Learning Korean with romanization is okay if you only want to learn a few Korean words. Using Korean romanization to read and understand Korean words is helpful if you don’t know the Korean alphabet yet.
However, we recommend learning the Korean alphabet thoroughly as soon as possible, as it’s more accurate for learning the proper sounds. It only takes about 1 hour, and it will help tremendously with pronunciation. You won’t be able to get very far in learning Korean using romanization only.
Just keep in mind that romanized Korean is meant to aid you in your early Korean language learning but will eventually hamper how you study Korean if you become dependent on it.
Why should people learn romanization?Romanization is a tool often used at the early stages of learning languages. Although you shouldn’t be dependent on it throughout your Korean learning journey, there are some advantages to it. Here are some of them:
To help people who can’t read Korean (Hangul)
Korean can be understood easily without the knowledge of Hangeul for people who can’t read it. For example, if you are going to meet someone at a restaurant in Korea, you may want to write the restaurant name in both Hangeul and romanized English so it can be located easily.
Typing on a computer or smartphone
Some computers or smartphones may not have 한글 (Hangeul) installed. Romanization may be helpful to still get your message across without having to type it in Hangeul.
Which romanization system to use?There are multiple romanization systems used in Korea, which may at first look confusing to you. However, in this article, we are sticking to the Revised Romanization of Korean. It is also the system used on our site and in all our materials.
Revised Romanization of KoreanThe Revised Romanization of Korean, or RR for short, is seen as the most common and most accepted system for the romanization of the Korean language today. This has been used in South Korea since 2000. Therefore, you cannot go wrong by using this system.
One significant feature of the RR system is that it tries to match the spelling of each word as close as possible to how they’d look if they were an English word. This is done to enforce a foreign language speaker’s ability to pronounce Korean naturally.
McCune–Reischauer RomanizationAnother Korean romanization system is the McCune–Reischauer Romanization, also known as MR. There’s a South Korean and North Korean variant for this romanization system. It remains to be the official romanization system in North Korea. However, this romanization system was replaced when the Revised Romanization of Korean was established in South Korea in 2000.
Korean Alphabet in Revised Romanization of KoreanWe have listed the Korean alphabet and their romanized Korean version that follows the Revised Romanization of the Korean system (RR). This will serve as a guide as you start reading Korean alphabets and eventually Korean words and sentences.
Korean Consonants (RR System)Below are the Korean consonants written using the RR system.
HangulRomanization ㄱg/k ㄲkk ㅋk ㄴn ㄷd/t ㄸtt ㅌt ㅁm ㅂb/p ㅃpp ㅍp ㄹr/l ㅅs ㅆss ㅈj ㅉjj ㅊch ㅎh ㅇsilent / ng Korean Vowels (RR System)Listed below are Korean vowels and their romanized version.
HangulRomanization ㅏa ㅓeo ㅗo ㅜu ㅡeu ㅣi ㅐae ㅔe ㅑya ㅕyeo ㅛyo ㅠyu ㅒyae ㅖye ㅘwa ㅚoe ㅙwae ㅝwo ㅟwi ㅞwe ㅢui**although it is romanized as such, the pronunciation of this one can change a lot depending on where in the word or sentence it is placed.
How to spell a Korean word in English lettersNow that we have learned the romanization for each Korean letter let’s learn how to spell a Korean word using English letters. Let’s take the word 밥. To romanize it, follow the chart above.
ㅂ = b (first)
ㅏ = a
ㅂ = p (last).
As a result, the romanization of 밥 is “bap.” Korean romanization is pretty straightforward, and you can start by practicing with shorter words like 밥 to longer ones.
Korean romanization vs. pronunciationKeep in mind that the first/last letters are for romanization and not necessarily for pronunciation.
We recommend using the “b” sound for ㅂ when saying the word 밥. If you are spelling the word 밥, you’re normally going to use Hangeul and spell it 밥. If you need to spell it in English, you can spell it as “bap.”
Revised Romanization largely follows the same rules as Korean pronunciation in general does. For example, there are changes in romanization when certain Korean letters meet each other. These are the special pronunciation rules. To learn more about how Korean pronunciation works, read our article on Korean pronunciation!
Problems with romanizationRomanization is generally beneficial; however, there might be some problems that you will encounter as you use it. We’ve enumerated a few of them:
Not everyone uses the same romanization system
As we have covered above, there are different romanization systems used in Korea. This means that people may have different preferences when it comes to the romanization system that they will use, which can confuse some.
For example, you may see the romanization for the word 언니 (sister) spelled as unnie. The correct way to romanize it is eonni. However, that spelling is not as common as unnie—the same with hyung vs. hyeong for 형 (brother).
You can’t make the proper Korean alphabet sounds using English
Reading some Korean words can be tricky when you use romanization. Take the word 의사 (doctor), for example. The romanization is uisa, but that’s doesn’t accurately show the correct pronunciation. If you don’t know Hangul, you’re likely to mispronounce it.
Tools for RomanizationPusan University has an excellent romanization tool. If you want some tools to help with Korean romanization, we also have an article on Korean Romanization Dictionary that may interest you.
Easy romanization rulesVowels typically follow a singular way of romanization as well as pronunciation. The exception to this is the vowel combination ㅢ.
Consonants can have different romanizations based on where they are in the syllable. Some examples are ㄱ, ㅂ, and ㄷ.
A great rule of thumb is that a softer romanization should be used when this consonant is before a vowel. Meaning, ㄱ is g, ㅂ is b, and ㄷ is d. And when another consonant follows the word’s end, the harder romanization letter is used. Note, though, that for ㄹ, r is used if it’s placed before a vowel. If it’s at a word’s end or before a consonant, it should be l.
We’d also love to read your comments on how easy or difficult you find using romanization while learning Korean. So please do drop us a comment or a few in the comment box below!
The post Korean Romanization – How to write Hangeul with English letters appeared first on 90 Day Korean®.
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PICC Busan English Worship
PICC Busan (Peniel International Christian Community) is an International English community within the heart of Busan, close to City Hall. Our address is Jungangcheon-ro 73beon-gil, Yeonsan-dong, Yeonje-gu, Busan.
We believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and stand firm on Sola Scriptura. We follow the principles of the Bible because we believe that it is the final authority on our lives.
Please come and join us every Sunday at 10am.
We do have a YouTube page where the sermons will be uploaded after church for those who cannot join in person services. We also have a Facebook page where the services will also be uploaded. Please go and subscribe and like the pages to receive the most recent information - especially with regards to Covid and the restrictions that might affect our in person services.
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNxmJ-YIF1u-cwsXHzAjzoQ
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/PICCBusan
We look forward to meeting you. --
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Suit7.jpg Suit6.jpg Suit5.jpg Suit2.jpg Suit4.jpg Suit3.jpg Suit1.jpgBulhoesa Temple – 불회사 (Naju, Jeollanam-do)
Bulhoesa Temple is located in Naju, Jeollanam-do to the south of Mt. Deongnyongsan (376.4 m), and it’s said to have been established in the late 4th century, although the exact date is uncertain. One legend states that it was founded in 384 A.D. by the famed Indian monk Marananta, who introduced Buddhism to the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.). Another legend states that the temple was founded in 367 A.D. and rebuilt in 713 A.D.
The temple was renamed to Bulhosa Temple in 1530, according to documents. Later, in 1798, a fire completely destroyed the temple, which was then rebuilt in 1808. It’s also said that the temple was renamed from Bulhosa Temple to Bulhoesa Temple around the time of its reconstruction in 1808. The temple would then suffer further damage during the Korean War (1950-1953). The temple was then rebuilt over a twenty-five year period starting in 1991.
Temple LegendThere are two legends associated with the temple. According to one legend, there was a monk named Seyeom (? – 1415), who was living at Bulhoesa Temple, when he accidentally met a tiger. Seyeom saved the tiger’s life by pulling out an ornamental hairpin that was stuck in the tiger’s neck. To express its gratitude, the tiger presented the monk with a maiden, whom it had carried in its mouth to the temple courtyard. However, the monk knew that this maiden was a daughter of the Kim clan that lived in Andong, so Seyeom brought her back to her home. The Kim clan then repaid the monk, because they were so appreciative, by providing Seyeom the funds he needed to expand the temple.
The other temple legend is also connected to the monk Seyeom. During the temple’s expansion, an auspicious day had been chosen for the performance of a good luck ritual. But on the day of the ritual, preparations were delayed. So there simply wasn’t enough time for the ritual to be performed before the sun set. So Seyeom went to the top of a rock on the neighbouring mountain and prayed to the sun for more time. Thanks to these prayers, the sun agreed and stayed in the sky for the ritual to be successfully held before the sunset. It’s said that a hermitage was named Ilbongam Hermitage, which means “Sealing up the Sun Hermitage” in English. This hermitage was built to commemorate the spot upon which Seyeom prayed.
A painting of the Tiger, Maiden and Seyeom Legend from Bulhoesa Temple. And the suspension of the sun, while the temple performs a good luck ceremony during the expansion of Bulhoesa Temple. Temple LayoutYou first approach Bulhoesa Temple up a long valley. Past the expansive Iljumun Gate at the entry, you’ll find a pair of stupas to your left. The first is an ancient stupa that’s joined by a modern stupa with beautiful dragon designs around its body and four dragon heads holding up a wisdom pearl that crowns the top of the stupa. This stupa is fronted by a tortoise-based stele.
A little further up the valley, and you’ll next come to the Stone Guardian Post of Bulhoesa Temple, which are classified by the Korean government as National Folklore Cultural Heritage #11. This pair of Stone Guardian Posts are some three hundred metres away from the main temple courtyard, and they are believed to date back to 1719. Traditionally, these guardians were either made from stone or wood, and they were used to denote the temple’s boundaries and/or to ward off evil spirits. Specifically, these two Stone Guardian Posts are distinctively male and female. The Stone Guardian Post to your right is male with its deeply carved lines, a goatee, and a hair knot on top of its head. Its upper canine teeth are sticking out the corner of its mouth and it has the inscription Hawondang Janggun (General Hawondang) on its body. The female Stone Guardian Post on the left, on the other hand, is more gentle in its composition. Its lines are shallower, and it has a smiling face. On its body, there’s the inscription Ju Janggun, which was originally Sangwonju Janggun (General Sangwonju). Both posts have big round eyes and short, stubby noses.
Further up the valley, and you’ll come to a tortoise based stele in a clearing with a pair of older steles on the neighbouring hillside. It’s past this clearing and steles, and to your right, that you’ll finally come to the main temple grounds at Bulhoesa Temple. A stream flows to the south of the temple grounds and under the Jinyeomun Gate, which is reminiscent of a smaller version of the front facade found at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, Jeollanam-do.
Across the bridge that spans the tiny stream, and past the pair of vibrant Vajra Warriors adorning each of the entry doors on the Jinyeomun Gate, you’ll enter into the Sacheonwangmun Gate. Housed inside the Sacheonwangmun Gate are four, two metre tall paintings dedicated to the Four Heavenly Kings. This Sacheonwangmun Gate’s exterior are adorned with various murals depicting the initial construction of the temple, as well as murals that depict the temple legends.
Past the Sacheonwangmun Gate, and into a clearing, you’ll now face the two-story Daeyang-ru Pavilion. An expanded lecture hall rests on the second floor of this structure, while the first floor acts as an entry gate to the main temple courtyard at Bulhoesa Temple. To the left of the Daeyang-ru Pavilion stands the Jong-gak (Bell Pavilion) at Bulhoesa Temple. Housed inside the Jong-gak Pavilion are the four traditional Buddhist percussion instruments. Of note is the large gold coloured bronze bell that hangs in the middle of the pavilion.
Passing under the Daeyang-ru Pavillion, and entering into the expansive main temple courtyard, you’ll see the historic Daeung-jeon Hall standing in front of you. The Daeung-jeon Hall dates back to the latter portion of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it’s Korean Treasure #1310. In fact, the Daeung-jeon Hall is believed to have been renovated, according to a Sangnyangmun (piece of remarks written on a ridge beam of a newly built building) inside the main hall, in 1799. The exterior walls are beautifully adorned with vibrant dancheong colours that cover the intricate woodwork that occupies the eaves of the Daeung-jeon Hall at Bulhoesa Temple. In total, there are four fierce-looking dragons that take up residence on each of the four corners of the eaves. And two, no less intimidating, dragons hang above the entry at the Daeung-jeon Hall.
As for the interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall, and resting upon the main altar, you’ll find a triad of statues centred by the image of Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy). This statue is officially known as the Dry-lacquered Seated Vairocana Buddha of Bulhoesa Temple, and it’s Korean Treasure #1545. This statue dates back to between the late Goryeo (918-1392) and early Joseon Dynasty. It was made using the dry-lacquered method. It is one of the earliest known images of “The Knowledge Fist” mudra in Korea where the hands of the mudra were changed. Originally, and during the Later Silla (668-935 A.D.) and early Goryeo Dynasty, the mudra had the right hand clasp the left hand’s index finger. But from the latter portion of the Goryeo Dynasty, this changed, and the hands changed. This statue is an early example of this change.
Accompanying the central Birojana-bul statue are a pair of Bodhisattvas. These Bodhisattvas are of Bohyeon-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Power) and Munsu-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom). They were made using the same dry-lacquered technique, and they are both believed to date back to the 15th century. They both wear regal crowns, their bodies are quite large in comparison to their heads, and both of their bellies stick out. They are Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage #267. The rest of the interior of the Daeung-jeon Hall are filled with older murals that depict the twenty-two sects found in Buddhism. Also, there’s a large Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural) to the right and a shrine for the dead on the left wall.
To the right of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. The exterior walls are adorned with simplistic murals like the mother tiger with her cub. Stepping inside the equally ornate exterior filled with vibrant dancheong colours, you’ll find a golden capped statue of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife) inside. This central image is joined on both sides by ten statues of the Siwang (The Ten Kings of the Underworld).
To the left of the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a collection of three temple shrine halls and a large, mature carnelian tree with pink flowers on it during the summer months. The first, and closest of the three temple shrine halls, is the Samseong-gak Hall. Housed inside this shaman shrine hall are three paintings dedicated to the central image of Chilseong (The Seven Stars). This painting is joined by an older image dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit) to the right and a bulging-eyed image dedicated Yongwang (The Dragon King) to the left.
The other two temple shrine halls in this area are the Nahan-jeon Hall and the Geukrak-jeon Hall. Housed inside the Nahan-jeon Hall is a central image of Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) joined by the sixteen Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha). Of note, and rather interestingly, during excavation work conducted in 1994 around the Daeung-jeon Hall, there were statues of the Nahan discovered. These statues are presumed to date back to around the end of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the start of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, the Nahan housed inside the Nahan-jeon Hall aren’t these historic Nahan found during excavation.
How To Get ThereTo get to Bulhoesa Temple, you’ll first need to board Bus #403 from the Naju Bus Terminal. The bus ride will last fifty-three stops, or an hour and ten minutes. You’ll need to get off at the “Useong Mokjang – 우성 목장” bus stop. From where the bus lets you off, you’ll need to walk about twenty-five to thirty minutes, or two kilometres, to get to Bulhoesa Temple.
Overall Rating: 7.5/10Bulhoesa Temple in Naju, Jeollanam-do is one of the rarer temples to be home to two Korean Treasures and one National Folklore Cultural Heritage. The Stone Guardian Posts are both terrifying and beautiful all in the same breath. And both the Daeung-jeon Hall and the triad housed inside it are just simply stunning with their vibrant colours and masterful craftsmanship. In addition to these Korean Treasures, have a look for the beautiful entry gates and pavilions, as well as the handful of temple shrine halls that can be explored at Bulhoesa Temple. This remote temple is definitely a treat!
The modern stupa and stele at the entry to Bulhoesa Temple. The male Stone Guardian Post at the entry of the temple. And his female counterpart. The Jinyeomun Gate at the entry to the main temple courtyard. The painting of Damun Cheonwang inside the Sacheonwangmun Gate. The view from the Sacheonwangmun Gate towards the Daeyang-ru Pavilion. The Jong-gak Pavilion that stands to the left of the Daeyang-ru Pavilion. The historic Daeung-jeon Hall (left) and the temple’s Myeongbu-jeon Hall (right). The colourful dancheong and Gwimyeon (Monster Mask) that adorns the eaves of the Daeung-jeon Hall. The entry and eaves of the Daeung-jeon Hall. The main altar triad inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. This triad is both a Korean Treasure and Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Heritage. A look inside the Myeongbu-jeon Hall. The Yongwang (Dragon King) mural inside the Samseong-gak Hall. A look inside the Nahan-jeon Hall. And the Geukrak-jeon Hall, as well. —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube
More uses of (으)로 | Live Class Abridged
On Sunday I taught a live Korean class all about the particle (으)로.
Normally this particle is taught to mean "toward" and "using," but it also has several other common uses including "as," choosing, "into," "due to," and others.
The post More uses of (으)로 | Live Class Abridged appeared first on Learn Korean with GO! Billy Korean.
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Korean classes in September!
Busan's Korean Language Institute For Foreigners (KLIFF) is offering classes for everyone. Make a change by learning Korean this season. The teachers at KLIFF can help!
Think it takes a year to speak Korean well? Think again! In just a month we can get you speaking with the locals!
KLIFF is located in two convenient locations: PNU and Haeundae.
We have as many as 9 levels of Korean ability for you to choose from. We also offer special lectures targeted toward the Korean proficiency test.
We're open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and available Sunday, too!
Questions or need directions? Feel free to call us any time at 010-9108-6594, or email to [email protected]. You can also check us out at www.kliff.co.kr.
See the map below to our PNU location, call or see our website for Haeundae classes.
Busan's Korean Language Institute For Foreigners (KLIFF) is offering classes for everyone. Make a change by learning Korean this season. The teachers at KLIFF can help!
Think it takes a year to speak Korean well? Think again! In just a month we can get you speaking with the locals!
KLIFF is located in two convenient locations: PNU and Haeundae.
We have as many as 9 levels of Korean ability for you to choose from. We also offer special lectures targeted toward the Korean proficiency test.
We're open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and available Sunday, too!
Questions or need directions? Feel free to call us any time at 010-9108-6594, or email to [email protected]. You can also check us out at www.kliff.co.kr.
See the map below to our PNU location, call or see our website for Haeundae classes.
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IMG_06901.JPGHow to teach an ESL class
This video explains how to teach an English as a Second Language class. It serves as a guide for new ESL teachers to teach their students how to speak English.
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YouTube Channel: EtacudeEnglish Tutor in Busan, Online or Face to Face
Education professional with extensive experience available to tutor middle school, high school, and adult students. I am available for both online and face to face tutoring. I hold a masters degree from The University of Chicago, a high school teaching certificate from the Illinois State Board of Education, and an F6 visa. I currently reside in Busan. Please see my online resume/CV/portfolio at http://www.andycrown.net/resume.htm for an html version, and http://www.andycrown.net/resume.pdf for a pdf version. Thank you for your interest, and do not hesitate to contact me concerning a teaching opportunity in Busan.
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Seoamjeongsa Temple – 서암정사 (Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do)
Seoamjeongsa Temple is located in Hamyang, Gyeongsangnam-do in the northern part of Jirisan National Park. Seoamjeongsa Temple was built over a thirty year period starting in 1989. The temple is most famous for the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall. The cave was built by the monk Woneung to appease the spirits of those that were killed during the Korean War (1950-1953). Purportedly, this part of Mt. Jirisan (1,915 m) has a horrible history of death and misery related to the Korean War. When the monk Woneung was travelling around this part of the mountain, he heard the cries of numerous dead spirits that had lost their lives during the Korean War. He started to pray here for them, where the present Seoamjeongsa Temple is located. It took about ten years to build the Geukrak-jeon Hall of Seokgul-beopdang from 1989. And the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall is meant to symbolize Jeongto – 정토, which is known as “The Western Paradise” in English.
Temple LayoutYou initially make your way up to the temple grounds up a five hundred metre long stretch of gravel road that winds its way to the right. Eventually, you’ll come to a fork in the road, where you can either turn right or left. You’ll need to turn to your right and head up the traditional entry to Seoamjeongsa Temple. The first things to greet you at the entry are stone reliefs of the Sacheonwang (The Four Heavenly Kings), which are typically housed inside the Cheonwangmun Gate at the temple. But at Seoamjeongsa Temple, they are beautifully displayed on the face of the neighbouring mountain reminiscent of the reliefs at Seokbulsa Temple in Buk-gu, Busan. At the fourth, and final, amazing relief of the Sacheonwang, you’ll find a crowning five-story pagoda on the neighbouring mountain top.
To the left of the Sacheonwang, but before you pass through the rock enclosure that acts as the temple’s entry gate, you’ll find a stone relief of a dongja (attendant). Sometimes this dongja holds a candle and sometimes it holds a paper lotus lantern.
Having passed through the entry gate at Seoamjeongsa Temple, you’ll enter into the lower courtyard. Straight ahead of you is the newly constructed Daeung-jeon Hall. When I first visited this temple in 2012, they hadn’t yet completed it; but when I re-visited Seoamjeongsa Temple in 2019, it was completed. The exterior walls to the Daeung-jeon Hall are atypically adorned with dancheong colours. These dancheong colours on the Daeung-jeon Hall at Seoamjeongsa Temple are more muted, and the murals that adorn the exterior walls are a beautiful collection of Palsang-do (The Eight Scenes from the Buddha’s Life Murals).
Stepping inside the Daeung-jeon Hall, you’ll find a large, solitary statue dedicated to Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha) on the main altar. To the right of the main altar is a Sermon on Vulture Peak Painting, or “Yeongsan Hoesang-do – 영산 회상도.” To the left of the main altar is a mural dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). One more mural housed inside the Daeung-jeon Hall is the temple’s Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural).
Back near the entry of the temple courtyard, you’ll find a stunning stone relief dedicated to Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). To the left is Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and to the right is Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). To the immediate left of the Daeung-jeon Hall is a gorgeous little pond that has colourful Koi fish swimming around in it. Standing in the centre of the pond, with a fountain next to it, is a statue dedicated to Gwanseeum-bosal. This statue is joined by a dongja to the left) on a central island rock.
The main highlight to Seoamjeongsa Temple, as was previously mentioned, is the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall that’s situated on a terrace above the Koi pond. When you look around the interior of the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall at Seoamjeongsa Temple, you’ll first notice that every square inch is covered in stone reliefs. Upon closer inspection, you’ll notice the main altar is occupied by a two metre tall seated relief of Amita-bul. This relief is joined on either side by standing reliefs of Gwanseeum-bosal and Daesaeji-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Wisdom and Strength for Amita-bul). There are swirls of heavenly clouds at the base of these three reliefs. To the left is an equally large altar with a relief of Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). This relief sits upon a stone lotus pedestal, and Jijang-bosal is joined by Mudokgui-wang (The King of Ghosts Who Purifies People’s Minds) and Master Daoming on either side. Filling out the rest of the interior is a masterful Shinjung Taenghwa (Guardian Mural), Bicheon (Flying Heavenly Deities) playing musical instruments in praise of the Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, Nahan (The Historical Disciples of the Buddha), and Agwi (Hungry Spirits), all under a rich canopy of heavenly flowers. Again, it’s extremely impressive!
Up a final set of stairs that lead you towards the upper courtyard at Seoamjeongsa Temple are a multitude of stone reliefs. To your immediate left, even before you enter the upper courtyard, is a shrine dedicated to Yongwang (The Dragon King). Finally, and to your right, you’ll enter the upper courtyard. Here, you’ll be greeted by two more shaman deities. Slightly to your left, and up a small set of stairs, you’ll be greeted by a stone relief of Dokseong (The Lonely Saint). And to this relief’s right is another shaman stone relief. This relief is dedicated to Sanshin (The Mountain Spirit). To the right of these amazing reliefs is a shrine dedicated to Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy). Birojana-bul sits atop three other reliefs. In the centre of these three other reliefs is a relief of a dongja that’s flanked by two Bodhisattvas. The stone artistry of all the reliefs at Seoamjeongsa Temple is simply masterful.
How To Get ThereThe only way to get to Seoamjeongsa Temple is by car. However, you can get to the temple by taking a bus to the Hamyang Intercity Bus Terminal and then taking a taxi to Seoamjeongsa Temple. The trip takes about forty minutes, over a twenty kilometre distance, and it’ll cost you about 15,000 won (one way).
Overall Rating: 8.5/10Where do you even begin with a temple like Seoamjeongsa Temple? Of course there’s all the amazing stone reliefs dedicated to the Sacheonwang (The Four Heavenly Kings), the three shaman deities, and the Bodhisattva and Buddha reliefs, as well; but it’s the masterful Buddhist artistry housed inside the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall that sets the temple apart. The interior to this cave is simply spell-binding. So take your time and enjoy every single surface inside the Geukrak-jeon Hall. You won’t find anything like it in Korea. While the temple is in one of the more remote locations in Korea, it’s definitely worth the effort to find and explore.
The entry to Seoamjeongsa Temple. Some of the Four Heavenly Kings that welcome you at the entry of the temple. A closer look at Jeungjang Cheonwang. The entry to the main courtyard at Seoamjeongsa Temple. The stone relief of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) just beyond the entry gate. The newly built Daeung-jeon Hall. One of the Palsang-do murals that adorns the exterior walls of the Daeung-jeon Hall. The main altar inside the Daeung-jeon Hall. The small Koi pond at Seoamjeongsa Temple. Inside the cave Geukrak-jeon Hall. The central relief is that of Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise). To Amita-bul’s left is another shrine and relief, this one dedicated to Jijang-bosal (The Bodhisattva of the Afterlife). The view on your climb up to the upper courtyard at Seoamjeongsa Temple. The Yongwang (Dragon King) relief in the upper courtyard. The upper courtyard entry. The relief of Birojana-bul (The Buddha of Cosmic Energy). —Dale's Korean Temple Adventures YouTube