Seunggunsa Temple

Day seven of Plus3 South Korea was another very active one where we hiked at the Bukhansan Mountain national park. Our journey took us up a steep trail littered with natural granite boulders that originate from within the mountain itself. Although this trail was considered to be for beginners by locals, this hike was rather intense with a lot of stream crossings and steep rock climbs. After hiking about halfway up the mountain, we had a chance to view Seunggunsa Temple, a very old and ornate buddhist temple with monks preparing for the upcoming Buddha Birthday. The temple’s ancient and spectacular one-pillar gate is like others we have seen adorning other famous landmarks in South Korea, but the views only became more spectacular once inside.

Seunggunsa Temple is split into many different levels along the mountain. On the lower tier is a very tall stone pillar pagoda acting as a shrine for Buddha. The tower is split into many different tiers that gradually become smaller at the top in a way that aligns perfectly with the opening in the trees, creating a spectacular sight. The second tier is the main temple to Buddha, monk housing, and a very large traditional Korean bell, much like the one at the DMZ they ring in remembrance of the separated families. On this level, the buddhist monks offered us rice cakes and water to help us recoup our energy for the final 108 stairs to the third level. On this third level was the most unbelievable carved cutout of Buddha in the side of the mountain adorned with an alter and prayer mats for those who kneel in front of Him. In documentaries, books, and theme parks, I have seen recreations of monuments like these, but having the chance to see the real thing was a life changing experience. I will never forget the feeling of wonder and awe that I felt first looking at the religious monument and stunning natural beauty around it.

Bibimbap

After a long day of hiking, the entire group was feeling ravenous for a good meal. Bibimbap, which translates directly to “mixed rice” is a traditional Korean dish that consists of five different colors that are all mixed into rice. These traditional colors are black, red, green, white, and yellow. Each hue of this rainbow corresponds to a different kind of food that acts as a key component to the dish. Yellow usually represents an egg, black is some kind of protein, red signifies carrots, green represents vegetables, and the white is the rice that brings the whole dish together. On this particular day, we not only had the chance to enjoy bibimbap, but we were also taught how to cook it by one of the leading food stylists in Korea. Ever seen a K-drama with a food scene? It’s very likely that the chef who taught us about bibimbap designed that particular scene. Not only can this recipe be made in one pan, but it is a perfectly easy 15 minute meal conducive to the time constraints and cooking abilities of college students. Considering that I have burned my toast quite a few times during breakfast, I was thrilled with the delicious meal that I had prepared that even I couldn’t mess up. After a long day, this was just the kind of “Seoul food” that I needed and I can’t wait to make it for my family and friends back in the states!