The Unification Buddha.

There is a seated bronze buddha near the entrance of Seoraksan. I've really been looking forward to seeing the Buddha and the temples since we arrived in Korea. So I was stoked when we got to Seoraksan today to view the Shinhungsa temple--started during the reign of the Shilla kings--where there are still practicing monks living today. Here's a bit of background on this temple: "There are three national treasures and eight local cultural properties, most of which are Buddhist cultural assets. Many temples, hermitages, including Shinhungsa, the third parish of Chogye Order, are nestled in Seoraksan. Shinhungsa was built in the six year of Queen Jindeok of Shilla's reign (652 A.D) by Buddhist monk Chajang-yulsa. He also constructed a nine-story pagoda in which sarira of Buddha was placed. There are three national treasures and eight local cultural properties, most of which are Buddhist cultural assets. Many temples, hermitages, including Shinhungsa, the third parish of Chogye Order, are nestled in Seoraksan. Shinhungsa was built in the six year of Queen Jindeok of Shilla's reign (652 A.D) by Buddhist monk Chajang-yulsa. He also constructed a nine-story pagoda in which sarira of Buddha was placed. He is currently the Chief monk in the temple and is nicknamed "Kollae." Bongjeongam hermitage was also founded by Chajang-yulsa and stands at 1,224m above sea level, the highest in Korea. The stupa which contains sarira of the Buddha is designated as local cultural property." (taken from the Seoraksan National Park website)

These are the steps of the pagoda where the Buddha sits.




Here is a woman preparing to bow before the Buddha.



















On the stairs leading to the Buddha.















Buddha nestled in the mountains. The black things lined up below the Buddha are prayer tiles. You can pay to have a merchant paint your prayer on a black slate tile to leave at this holy place.