Jikjisa Temple, located in Gimcheon, South Korea eas originally founded in 418 CE by the monk Ado, who is credited with introducing Buddhism to the region. The temple’s name, Jikjisa (literally “Finger-Pointing Temple”), is said to symbolize the idea of pointing to enlightenment.
#korea #buddhism

Namsan or Seoul Tower is in the distance, and an outdoor military exhibit at the War Memorial Museum in Seoul is in the foreground.

#southkorea #warmemorialmuseum #seoul

In 2010, I traveled to Massacre Valley in Hoengseong, South Korea where my first novel, War Remains, took place. This is a monument commemorating the battle fought here in February, 1951.

#novels #koreanwar #southkorea #writing #publishing

This stone pagoda dates to the seventh century and is only one of two to survive from the Baekje period in Korea. I am humbled and in awe to stand next to something this poignant and inspiring.

#history #korea #travel #buddhism #religion

What was the religious significance? Where did the inspiration come from? And here I am, over 1300 years later, pondering its significance. God, I love history, religion, and art; I love how I feel connected to history and a part of it.

As someone who has studied and taught Asian history, one of the things that has always resonated strongly with me is thinking about the person who first came up with the idea to create something like this. How did this person come up with the idea? What was the religious significance?

This stone pagoda dates to the seventh century and is only one of two to survive from the Baekje period. I am humbled and in awe to stand next to something this poignant and inspiring.

Some of my books...

#Writing #Novels

Did someone say, coffee?

#Coffee #SouthKorea

The Gunsan Customs House, built in 1908, is an iconic historical building that symbolizes the city’s colonial past. Located near the harbor, the red-brick structure features a distinct Western architectural style with arched windows, a pitched roof, and a symmetrical façade.

Dongguksa Temple, located in Gunsan, South Korea, is a unique cultural and historical landmark. Established in 1913 during the Japanese colonial period, it is the only remaining Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea.

Dongguksa Temple, located in Gunsan, South Korea, is a unique cultural and historical landmark. Established in 1913 during the Japanese colonial period, it is the only remaining Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea.

Today's Korea outing: Gunsan.

Monument in Daejeon, South Korea, to commemorate The Battle of Daejeon, July 1950. Eight hundred and fourteen US service members lost their lives in the battle.

#SouthKorea #Korea #Daejeon

I wonder how they'll taste.

Vientiane, December 2007

#Laos #SoutheastAsia #Travel