Sangbang-gulsa Temple

2nd Jan 2019

After our hi-tea in Narnia, the sky was still bright. Since we were close by to Sangbangan Mountain, why not drop by in Sangbang-gulsa Temple and tick off one from my check list. 

Driving in Seongsan is breezy. The roads are wide, smooth and scenic. No tall buildings to obstruct and with a flat land, I can see the mountain from afar. 

Road signage were clear. We turned into this smaller road and can't miss the mountain towering on the right with a peek of the temple. 

This temple is perched on top of the hill and you've got to climb up the stairs. Here's the ocean view from the first landing. 

View from the second landing. At the far end is Yongmeori Beach which is another attraction here but we didn't have time to check it out as the sky is turning dark soon. Unlike those sandy beaches, Yongmeori Beach has stone formations like the Grand Canyon. Search it up to see what I mean. 

It was late and at winter time. I was one of the 5 tourists still lingering here. At this moment, I was the only one here. One on one with the Buddha. 

Following another worshiper rubbing his head for good luck

More stairs and I learned that there is a cave Buddha at the top after climbing another 470 steps. This temple is not huge but it surely has its charm built on a hill, overlooking the ocean and very peaceful. 

Temples should not be judged by its size but of how the place exudes its holiness & purity. One can go to an enormous temple but it charges hundreds for entrance fee, additional surcharge for special prayers, fixed charges for candles/joss sticks etc, and some temples turned into a business place 😔

I even went to several temples in Indonesia with "gangster" like people demanding money to enter. Donation is the way to go. 

I understand temples needed to be up kept by collecting money but I was wondering how can those poorer people, jobless or kids come to pray? Do people need to pay to pray? 

Do check out this shop at the foot of the temple.