Big Bad Buddha

So it's that time again in South Korea when Buddha turns another year older and the masses flock to the streets to celebrate. I am super excited about this time of year because not only are the trees green and the weather is getting ridiculously warm, but street festivals are popping up all over. And those who know me well, know I love a good festival.

Thank goodness Buddha is having a birthday while I am in South Korea, because he sure knows how to have a party. The streets around the Jogye-sa temple are packed with people from all over the world celebrating by participating in various activities around the temple and the streets (see pictures below). 


Not only have I been taking part in some traditional Buddhist festivities, but I have also been exploring some of the sweet green space Seoul has to offer despite fighting off a seasonal cold (most likely spurred by the yellow dust in the air - so I've been warned by the Koreans in my life). Therefore, the pictures to follow are a mixture of my bike extravaganza to Seoul Forest ( a park in the middle of Seoul) and Buddha's birthday... check it: 

I had to add this one taken from the roof of a restaurant - it's roof chickens!!!

City scene in a district called Itaewon in Seoul.

My local park - Olympic Park

Start of the epic bike ride along the Hangang river.

Not sure how sanitary dipping in this river is, but these brave souls are trying it. 

Evergreen trees at the entrance to the Seoul Forest (not much of a forest, more of a sparse urban park, but I'll take what I can get!)

Min Ji jumping in to the kids water park and having a great time cooling down. 

The flower park in the old foundation of a building

Don't be fooled, folks, these are fakeys

Traditional drummers welcoming us to Buddha's Bday

Making lanterns

These monks are making sand art by tapping their funnels and releasing colored sand onto this intricate design.

Cheers until next time friends!