This is the kind of thing I was expecting to see in the country, off the beaten track. Unmolested by time and progress, a peaceful temple on an ornamental pond. In fact this is in the heart of downtown Seoul, just one part of a huge complex of many temples in a park on one site.

After walking down the Cheonggyecheon stream I found the place easy enough. There was an impressive grassed area outside with a couple of huge statues. Heading through the equally impressive Heungnyemun gate, I was greeted with a sign I didn’t like. Ticket office!!

The fee was modest and I doubt I’ll be coming back, so I paid and went in for a walk around. It had to be at least 10 acres of temple buildings, all very well preserved with the mountains in the background and the walls keeping out the city noise. Most incongruent, but a pleasant surprise indeed!