Korean Photography Blog

Buddhas Birthday 2009

Originally uploaded by JTeale

It has been a while since I have been back to this temple, Jung-gwang-sa. I feel in Ulsan, it is one of the better temples for photos during Buddha’s Birthday. The go all out here with Fire-breathing Dragons, markets, and parade floats.

I have come here for years to take photos. It is hard to navigate the crowds that seem to surround the lone foreigner. The best thing to do is just smile and accept the fact that amidst the bright lanterns and dragons, you are the strange one.

Also, you are at a temple on a particularly happy/religious day. Just smile, and people will embrace the fact that you are enjoying their culture. Last night was great. After taking some photos, I had families of on-lookers checking out my shots and every move. This isn’t anything different, but I gave myself a refreshing new perspective on it. The people really like the fact that I was there. Enjoy the photos.