OWL Magazine Korea

In Kyoto, where various temples abound, one that stands out as widely recognized and frequently visited by tourists is the temple known as “Kiyomizu-dera.” Written in Chinese characters as “清水寺,” it is pronounced as “Cheongsusa” in Korean, and “Kiyomizu-dera” in Japanese. “Temple of Clear Water – Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)” Kiyomizu-dera, or the Temple of Clear Water, holds its name from the ...

After arriving at the hotel in Kyoto, unpacking our bags, we embarked on our journey to explore the city. The first destination on our list was “Kiyomizu-dera,” a prominent and representative attraction on the eastern side of Kyoto. During a previous visit in 2018, we had reached the vicinity of Kiyomizu-dera but were unable to explore its interior as we ...

If you exit Kyoto Station, pass by Kyoto Tower, and head a bit further north, you’ll come across Higashi Honganji Temple (東本願寺), one of the prominent temples in Kyoto known for its impressive scale. The main gate, “Amidado” (阿弥陀堂), and “Goeido” (御影堂) are particularly famous. Among them, Goeido, reconstructed in 1895 after being lost in a fire, stands out for ...

In the heart of Seoul’s Gangnam district, amidst the urban landscape, you can find a Buddhist temple. Bongeunsa, situated near Samsung Station, stands as the main temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, overseeing the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) hub of Korea, COEX, near COEX. Originally a mountain temple named Sudo Mountain Temple, officially referred to as ...

In the eastern part of Kyoto City, you can find a renowned temple known as “Kiyomizu-dera” in Japanese or “Cheongsusa” in Chinese characters, meaning a temple with clear water. “Founded in the Heian Period, Kiyomizu-dera” Kiyomizu-dera was established during the Heian Period. It is known to have been founded by General Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, the first Shogun of the Heian ...

This photo, considered one of Kyoto’s iconic images, features the backdrop of “Hokanji” located near Kiyomizu-dera. The path to Kiyomizu-dera, known as Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, often provides a picturesque view of Hokanji, making it a popular spot for photography. “Hokanji, recognized as one of Japan’s iconic views in Kyoto.” Hokanji holds a significant place among Kyoto’s iconic views. When traveling ...

In Arashiyama, located in the western part of Kyoto, you can find various tourist attractions, including one of Japan’s renowned scenic spots, “Tenryu-ji Temple,” which is also recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Tenryu-ji Temple is famous not only for the temple itself but also for the garden with a pond that can be found within its premises. ...

Heading south in Osaka, there is a Buddhist temple that can be read as “Sacheonwangsa” in our native Korean characters. It is a Buddhist temple called “Shitenno-ji.” Although it may seem like a typical Buddhist temple, it has historical connections to Korea. This temple was originally established by Prince Shotoku in 578, who received three artisans from Baekje, an ancient ...

In the heart of Dotonbori, the central area of Osaka tourism, if you venture into the alleys, you’ll come across a small temple named “Hojenji.” Actually, more famous than the temple itself is the narrow lane called “Hojenji Yokocho.” “Hojenji in a Small Alley in Dotonbori” Hojenji is a temple located in a small alley near Dotonbori in Osaka. Here, ...

The area around Asakusa in Tokyo is one of the prominent places in Tokyo’s 23 wards. It exudes a traditional atmosphere, reminiscent of Japan, where you can often see people strolling around in traditional clothing like kimonos. It gives a feeling somewhat similar to Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace. “Senso-ji Temple in Tokyo Asakusa” At the heart of Asakusa ...

One of the most renowned destinations on Lantau Island in Hong Kong is Ngong Ping Village. Situated at the heart of Lantau Island, it offers a unique experience just getting there, thanks to the cable car ride from Tung Chung Station, which is the longest of its kind. During my visit, the cable car was undergoing renovations, so they were ...

Ngong Ping Village, situated at the summit of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, is a theme park adorned with Buddhist elements. Here, you can find the largest statue in Hong Kong, the “Tian Tan Buddha,” and near it lies the biggest and oldest Buddhist temple in Hong Kong, the “Po Lin Monastery.” “The Oldest Buddhist Temple in Hong Kong: Po ...