Escaping The Grind

The phrase 'temple fatigue' is a common one amongst foreigners living in Korea.
It helps describe the way that temples in Korea are new and mysterious places that you frequently visit upon your arrival. The fatigue soon sets in though, after you've visited more temples than you ever thought you'd see in a lifetime. The fact that many of the Buddhist temples in Korea are built and painted in a similar style doesn't help matters either.

I've never felt the slightest hint of temple fatigue myself though, even after three years here. There's something about entering the grounds of a temple that just completely relaxes me. It's not necessarily being inside the actual temple building (although they are often incredibly spiritual places) it is more just being in the grounds - it's like an instant wave of serenity just washes over me.
I've spent hours sheltering from rainstorms in mountain temples, or reading books in the shade of their beautiful roofs - I never tire of it.

The temple above is in the heart of the city, but still maintains an air of tranquility. The huge rabbit that roams freely about the place is also an added bonus.
It's not a great example of temple architecture, but I used to live close to it and would frequently visit at 7pm, to see a Buddhist monk climb a bell tower and proceed to ring a huge bell by swinging a log hung on chains into it.
The sound of the bell would ring out around the grounds and surrounding park - a beautiful oasis of peace within the chaos that surrounds it.