Three-storey pagodas

After unifying the three kingdoms on the Korean Peninsula in the latter half of the 600s AD, King Munmu-wang, the 30^thruler of Silla began construction on Gameusaji temple in the hope of repelling Japanese invasions. Because he died before its completion, his son, King Sinmun completed the project in 682 AD.

Yeouido Park

Amidst shimmering highrise buildings and the constant hum of traffic sat a rectangular oasis of calm — Yeouido Park. I planned to avoid Seoul’s tourist meccas that fine morning and picked the perfect location.

Senso-ji Temple

While Senso-ji was the oldest temple site in Tokyo, it was rebuilt a number of times. The present reincarnation was modelled on the 1692 version.

Easy child birth — really?

From Kyoto’s Kiyomizu-dera, I spotted Koyasu-no-To pagoda in the distance. The lure of this orange tower in the lush setting was impossible to ignore, so I set out towards this solitary structure leaving behind the main complex that was under external renovations.

Stepping up to Kiyomizu-dera

The route along Kyoto’s Gojo-dori was lined with tourist traps, but it didn’t end there. I headed to Kiyomizu-dera temple where souvenirs hovered right up to the temple steps.

Bich Dong Pagoda

Perched part of the way up a hill not far from Ninh Binh, was Bich Dong Pagoda. I climbed stone steps then passed through a cave behind the temple to reach the next site.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

 

Not far from the Botanic Gardens stood the Jade Emperor Pagoda. While shaded by soaring trees at the entrance, the grounds were in need of a little TLC.

I entered to an over powering haze of incense before a multitude of statues in various rooms contained within the complex before I made my way back.