Gatbawi

Gatbawi is a stone Buddah. It is widely known that this Buddah hears at least one wish of each sincere, praying individual.



We have been hosting a professor from U Maine.  We are waiting to eat dinner in a one table restaurant.

 

The entrance to Gatbawi.  The road is lined with vendors selling healthy hiking snacks to fortify you as you climb the 848 stairs to the top. 



 

I just love these- the painting is so intricate.







The smell of incense is overpowering.  The place was packed with people praying and chanting-  we heard it was busy because students will be taking exams this week and their parents are all here wishing that they do well.





 

Lily and Roan and the throngs of worshippers.



 

We were all making wishes.







The monk stands above the crowd and prays all day long, rotating so that each person can see him, and then facing the Buddah.  He has a wooden bell that he rings as he chants.  It is the most amazing thing.



 

Just like at Precious Blood, you can light a candle for whatever reason you want.



 

Once your candle is lit you place it in a metal chamber that shields it from the wind until it burns out.



 

Our 3 candles.... what did we wish for?  we're not telling!  :)





The view from the top of GwanBong Peak.  Autumn is here, too, and the leaves are changing.  We also get a lot of the sand storm from China, which causes the haze.



 

Another opportunity to wish.  If your coin stays on the rock face your wish will come true.  Sometimes it takes more than one try.



 

Lily's lucky wish.



 

These cases are filled with oil lanterns that burn all day and night.  They are also wishes and prayers to the Buddah.



 

This is a shrine to the Buddah with gold statues and intricate decorations.  People also worship and pray here.







Nothing tops off a hard morning of praying and wishing like Korean Barbecue!  You can see from the pictures above us what we are about to eat.  At least this time we know what we are eating.  When you enter the restaurant you take off your shoes and go sit on a pillow on the floor (Some of you with bad knees would have to wait outside!). 







The kids are with Jack, who works in our office.  He was taking care of us for the day.  He is an amazing guy, and lived in NYC and Wisconsin. 

Once you are seated the hostess brings plates of side dishes: kim chi, beans, tofu, onions, sauces, jalapenos, and whatever meats you order to the table.  She puts the raw meat on the grill in the center of the table with some vegetables and lets it cook.  We also ordered sides of mushroom and pumpkin pancakes and bimibap.  YUM!






You can see our delicious meal!  Wish you were here!