Chilgok Temples - Part I

Trip Start Aug 16, 2013

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376

Trip End Aug 25, 2013

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Flag of Korea Rep. Daegu, Korea Rep.
Sunday, May 6, 2012

There are two large temple buildings I can often see from the bus, but that I've never figured out where they are or visited them. This weekend as I was going to go biking now the weather is nicer I decided to try to locate these buildings.

Chilgok Large Temple Building

I've passed nearby on the bus so I had a relative idea and it wasnt too difficult to fine. The main building is a large five story building with a decorated pagoda style traditional roof. Beside it is an older four storey pink building connected by a covered walkway.

As I approached a caretaker came up and was advising that I was not allowed inside. From what little I could make out he kept saying you needed a membership. I tried gesturing if it was a temple but he said no. I asked if it was a school and he also said no.

Wall Mural

With my limited korean I could only make out I wasnt allowed and that you needed a membership, but still had no idea what the actual facility was. He then guided me towards the paintings in the covered walkway and explained they were showing the same story of a persons journey.

The first five I could understand. Somebody was thinking, then went on a journey, saw a cow, and rode it. Then there was an older man which I thought was another story but the guy said it was many years later.

Adjacent Building

The last picture I could not make out and the caretaker was not able to explain with our limited language communication. I thought it showed the person had died but he said no it wasnt. I tried asking if the pink building in the complex was an office, he said no but couldnt explain what it was either.

That was about as much as I would be able to gain access to since the caretaker said I couldnt go in, although he was quite friendly and tried explaining things. After cycling around for a while I came to another temple I often pass on the bus but had never gone inside.