Haeinsa & the Tripitaka Koreana.

Today, I decided to wake up extra early and set out for another mini adventure. I headed out of my apartment at around 8:30 and went straight to the KTX station. Instead of an hour bus ride, it took me only 20 minutes to get to Daegu on the KTX. Although Daegu is Korea's third largest city (2.5 million people), I was only passing through...

Ulsan (Eonyang) to Daegu and then south to Haeinsa.

After arriving at Dongdaegu Station (East Daegu Station), I hopped on the subway toward the western side of the city. From there, I took an hour and a half bus ride south toward Haeinsa (Haein Temple) at the foot of the Gaya Mountains. The bus dropped me off in the mountains at the foot of a path winding further into the rising slopes. The temple is situated about 1.5 kilometers from the bus stop.

I learned about this place during my Korean history class in college. Aside from this being one of Korea's most famous Buddhist temples, it also houses some of Buddhism's most famous texts. The Tripitaka Koreana is the world's most comprehensive and oldest intact version of Buddha's teachings in Chinese writing. It was carved onto wooden blocks between the years 1236-1251. It is kept safe in the Janggyeon Panjeon, a uniquely designed building that protects the blocks from moisture, light, air, and insects. These writings are so important and invaluable that China, Japan, and Taiwan's own versions of the Tripitaka are based off of Korea's.

Walking up to the entrance of Haeinsa.

The Haeinsa pagoda.

Inside the temple compound.

The steep stairs leading up to the Janggyeon Panjeon.

The Tripitaka Koreana

The Tripitaka Koreana

View of the mountains and rooftops of temple buildings.

The river is frozen over. 

In the end, I was able to get home before dinner time. Gotta love high speed trains and an efficient transportation system. Also, I've now officially been to 2 of the 3 Jewel Temples of Korea. :)