Today was Buddha’s Birthday, a national holiday. Lots of shops were closed for that reason, but many people were outside despite the rain. We started today by walking around Hanok village, a traditionally styled neighborhood that is still inhabited today. It used to be where nobles of the Joseon courts lived, as well as older princes and princesses. It was a beautiful neighborhood, with long sloping avenues and traditional woodwork. A few people were even dressed in traditional hanbok clothing to walk around and take pictures in. When something is in traditional Korean style, it has the prefix han-, also used in the traditional language Hangul.

The next event was the main one: we went to Jogyesa temple again to see the celebrations for Buddha’s birthday. The temple was packed! We were each given a lotus blossom pin when we arrived and passed through the gates into the crowds. The people who were participating had to register in advance, so we watched them gives lotus blooms in offering to the temple while monks chanted the story of Buddha’s teachings. Apparently, the president of Korea was there, but I couldn’t see him on the podium through the crowds.

After the temple, we went to Insadong street mall, which sells traditional Korean arts and crafts. A few people and I went to a traditional tea house located around a few art galleries in a garden. I drank some citron tea, which was served with the peels inside. It was delicious, tasting like sweet citrus. Other people got sweet plum tea and omija tea, which was also said to be very good.

Finally, we went to Starfield mall, which housed a large two-story library. It was very popular, and even had magazines available in foreign languages like English, French, and Italian. Later, an event was held for children to read picture books, so the library was even more packed.

Until next time!