Part of my long Seoul travel chronicles is a visit to random temples in the area of In-sadong, Gangnam and Seoul. I forgot the names of the other temples but lasting impression were left in me. Starting from the moment we enter the Temple, i saw the wonderful carvings from the temple gate, the Buddist artifacts and relics, and the ambiance of a temple makes this visit truly memorable.

But the one that took my breath away was gazing up to the thousands hanging white lanterns in the temple of Bongeunsa-ro in Gangnam.It is a surreal experience added to the fact that it´s my first time seeing them for real.I couldn´t help but just to stare at it while the soft summer breeze making them dance like paper balls up in the air.Each lantern is with tiny paper with inscriptions which are probably prayers and chants with spiritual meanings.

Lanterns are sacred manifestations in a Buddist country like Seoul. Most of the temples we´ve visited have the same aspects. Statues of the Holy Buddha, the sacred temple hall where people are praying and laid offerings, a central pavillion or hall, and a inner coutyard surrounded with giant Lotus plants and hanging lanterns. We even sighted numerous monks passing by.

These lanterns are sacred symbol of the departed ones and displayed up to the Great Buddha´s birthday or the Lotus Lantern Festival.They symbolize, hope, light, and prayers for the decased ancestors or family well-being. Looking at their numbers, I am really humbled at this holy sacred tradition where believers show their devotion and prayers for the deceased love ones.

Also, along with the backdrop of Giant Buddha, these lotus plants with blossoms is fitting for a perfect backdrop of a serene,meditative place like Bongeunsa Temple.I haven´t seen it in other place where cultural and modern architecture goes in the same picture.A few minutes before the temple stands the Skycrapers in Gangnam, a very hip and modern city, and then this place—what a contrast! Seoul never dissapoints us, showing the old and new in a new dimension where we can experience both worlds at the same time.

These white lanterns in Bongeunsa Temple are dedicated to deceased souls and to count them all is insane.They are traditionally crafted from a lightweight wire or bamboo wooden frame covered with premium Korean mulberry paper (hanji) or silk, featuring hand-twisted paper petals to form a lotus shape.Historically lit with candles, but modern temple lanterns almost exclusively use safe, long-lasting LED light bulbs s or battery packs.Would be awesome to see them in the night time where all these lanterns light up and looked like glowing souls in the heart of the city.

I could have stayed in this place for longer time but we just had a limited hours during our stay. Just as we lighted candles when we visit the churches and graves of our beloved ones, this tradition reminds me of the spritual significance of lanterns and giving light, having hope while we continue living.

Next time that I´ll visit South Korea, I am sure I would love to visit another temple like this, and probably admire another rows of intriguing paper lanterns.

Until then, Tschüß und Alles Gute.