03 May 2023

Exploring Masan: from bustling fish markets to ancient Buddhist temples

We received a warm welcome for our second day in South Korea as Heritage Adventure entered the port of Masan.

Right away our visit to the local fish market had us blown away by the huge variety of sea creatures for sale, altering our perspective on edible items that make up the local cuisine.

Next it was on to the Tripitaka Koreana Culture Park and Haeinsa Temple where we learned about the transcending wisdom of this ancient Korean collection of Buddhist scriptures which were carved onto 81,258 wooden printing blocks in the 13th century. This collection of scriptures, housed in the temple, details the commentaries and regulations of renowned monks and scholars inform Buddhist practice even today.

Observing the original wooden printing blocks was a rare privilege, and the intricate architecture of this ancient temple captured our attention for the rest of the afternoon.

Image (c) by: H.Finch