Gangnam Style

So today, I went Gangnam Style.  With the kids in school, and Peter at work, I decided to take a tour of Gangnam.  Gangnam directly translated means south of the river, so as its name states, it's an area of Seoul south of the Han River.  About 30 years ago it was farmland.  When all of the electronics industry started to move into Seoul, it developed in this area because there was open land.  Now this area is the richest part of Seoul.  One two bedroom condo can run between $1,500,000 - $2,000,000.  Wow.  And I thought Severna Park was pricey.

I met up with the tour right outside the post.  Ironically, the tour bus we took, I thought, was incredibly "Gangnam."  I had to take a picture.  The irony in PSY's video sensation is that Gangman style is supposed to be high class, however, he's he's not high class at all in his video.  This bus filled that description of Gangnam perfectly.  I loved the purple curtains.  They were a nice touch.  And the muliticolored lighting across the ceiling was awesome; I felt like I was on Cash Cab.

Our first stop on the tour was Bongeunsa Temple, one of the two Buddhist Temples found in the city.  It was beautiful.  This is me outside the temple.

As you walk through the gates you're greeted (or scared off) by the four kings who protect the temple.

                  

Once inside, I couldn't believe how peaceful it was.  It was like a little oasis in the middle of a bustling city.  Here are some pictures.  

I loved how all around you were these traditional Buddhist buildings, however, just in the distance were very modern high rises.  In Korean Buddhism they talk a lot about yin and yang, and ironically, it seemed to manifest itself here too.  

Our tour guide was amazing.  He was a young Korean guy who was very determined to give us the best tour possible.  While at the temple he would politely ask the people worshiping if we could be a part of their service.  He led us to this statue which is supposed to house some of Buddha's remains.  Here we burned incense and bowed deeply to show respect.  This was an area where you prayed for your deceased.  The white paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling were covered in names of deceased family members.  I, of course, thought of Jake. 

Next he took us into this room.  Because this room is so holy, we weren't allowed to take pictures inside.  We had to take our shoes off at the door. 

This was where the main worship service was being held.  There was a monk chanting and people kneeling on floor mats praying.  The entire front wall of the room was covered in 1000 miniature statues of Buddha.  Our tour guide explained this was to remind you that Buddha is always watching you and you need to always act appropriately.  It reminded me of our Primary song, "If the Savior Stood Beside You."  I loved the Spirit that I could feel at this temple.  It was so strong.  It was such a testimony that Heavenly Father loves ALL His children.  I truly believe that wherever there are believers, no matter what "God" they believe in, our Father in Heaven smiles down a little more brightly.  This was by far my favorite part of the entire trip.

Next we headed to the World Taekwondo Headquarters.  

After that was the Samsung Headquarters.  They had every new technology you could think of at Samsung.  Can't wait to bring the kids back here.

Finally we ended at the Coex.  This is one of the largest shopping malls in Seoul.  Unfortunately for me, I was out of time and didn't really get to shop (or eat) much.  The tour dropped us off here so I had to hurry back via the subway to get the kids in time for school.  I did have time for one last thing though.  I couldn't go to Gangnam and not dance Gangnam Style!  I think I looked just like PSY, don't you think?