Ulsan

I don't want to go out. I'm still depressed about yesterday afternoon's abject failure (not the first time that phrase has come up in this blog) and haven't had that much for breakfast. Ah well, I'll have a latte at Cafe Angel-in-us around the corner and think about things.

As it's just after 9 I practically have to wake the server as the cafe is empty. In case you haven't realized, the ROK population are not morning people. This cafe will however be chockers at 7 pm.

Anyway the weather is too good today to not do anything. The wind has dropped from yesterday. So I decide to go to Beomeo-sa temple. This temple is a working temple that offers a templestay program, where outsiders can live like the monks do for a day or two. Not me, unfortunately, as I'm on a tight schedule.

The subway stop for the temple is quite a long way back towards Nopo. So I'll try to come back through smaller trips. From the temple's subway station it's a 3 km uphill walk to the temple. Or you take a taxi. Or you take bus 90, which comes within a couple of minutes as I'm considering my options. Lucky that.

There are quite a few people on the bus. Maybe it's because it's FREE to visit the temple on a Monday? Never mind, it's all good and peaceful. There are a number of monks scurrying around, as this is a working temple. One of the photos shows a monk carrying what looks to be a chalice.

It's a very tranquil setting in the hills. There is an adjacent forest with streams to help meditation. The forest also hosts a number of hiking trails that are particularly popular on the weekend. All in all, a good place to come to relieve stress.

I decide to walk down rather than take the bus. It's an easy hike back to the subway with some forest scenery.Read more