Korean Job Discussion Forums

flutieflakes · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

you've seen them all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

just went to bulguksa (the supposed grandest of them all), and found very little difference from what i've seen before................

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

Look at Korea. Look at the tourist firgures. Put two and two together.

There has actually been a jump in the usually un-impressive tourist figures. The Japanese are coming in their droves to see the location of a Korean drama which has become big in Japan.

The Bobster · Joined: 15 Jan 2003

I think - and a lot of people do - the one you mention is the best in the whole country, so maybe I was lucky it was the first I went to ... someone told me that all the temples in Korea were rebuilt and renovated for tourist purposes around the same time, like in the 70s or something, and that accounts for how they all seem to represent a similar style, whereas in places like Thailand and Japan they tend to reflect different historical periods and sectarian variations. I agree that Korean temples seem more similar than different.

Generally, I've found that when I go to temples here it's not really to go to the temples but primarily to get out of the city and take a gentle walk up a path leading into the hills. For this, the smaller, less well-known temples are far better than the ones mentioned in guidebooks.

Maybe that's just me, though ...

Swiss James · Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Location: Shanghai

I suppose the buildings are all similar, but the 3-5 I've been to have all had different interiors, different statues, paintings, motifs etc and the surronding area is always unique.

It's amazing how many of the things there are when you start looking for them- in fact how many are there?

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Does it matter? I thought they were supposed to be places of prayer not tourist attractions.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

flutieflakes · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

all of the big ones HAVE turned into tourist attractions..........one just has to look in the vicunity and spot all of the hotels, restaurants, tacky gift shops, norebangs etc................

Blind Willie · Joined: 05 May 2004

Butterfly · Joined: 02 Mar 2003 Location: Kuwait

Someone from Asia might say that, English Churches all look the same.

Blind Willie · Joined: 05 May 2004

matthewwoodford · Joined: 01 Oct 2003 Location: Location, location, location.

I suppose it's a sign of being here too long but English cathedrals are starting to look positively exotic to me.

The old saying...you never know what you had until it's not there any more...

desultude · Posted: Thu Jan 27, 2005 4:41 am Post subject:

Are you saying there is no difference between Haeinsa and Pulguksa? Shocked

jay-shi · Joined: 09 May 2004 Location: On tour

If only they could all look like this ...

waggo · Joined: 18 May 2003 Location: pusan baby!

flutieflakes · Joined: 16 Mar 2003

and on second thought, after travelling this place for over 2 years, i have to say that from besides the coasts, this whole damned place looks the same...........aside from the mountains (in some cases), if u placed me in any city or town, i could be anywhere (apologists, i know its a small place, but for the love of cripes, have some imagination in urban planning!!!!!)...........