When traveling to major cities, sometimes you just have to get away from the hoopla of the  city. But since I’m a city girl, it’s hard for me to get away from the culture, food and partying of  big city life.

I run into this problem every time I travel. It was the reason I spent two months in Salvador, Brazil but didn’t venture out to Boipeba or Morro de Sau Paulo. It’s the reason why I spent a year in Paris, but didn’t visit the Champagne region, or even Lille! The same reason why I spent five months in Munich, Germany but never got out of the city to visit the Neuschwanstein Castle two hours away.

Fortunately, my friend Gary Morgan rescued me from my presumed fate in Daegu, South Korea during the World Track and Field Championships. After he repeatedly asked me to go to the mountains (just 15 minutes away), I finally relented. I was tired of chasing after athletes for interviews.

There are several buddhist temples just 15 minutes away from Daegu. Since my friend had already visited the most spectacular buddhist temple outside of Daegu, Gatbawi, we visited a smaller site – Buinsa Temple. Fortunately it did not disappoint, and I even scored a wonderful Korea buddhist meal.

I could have climbed up to this statue outside of Daegu, South Korea but I missed out because I wanted to stay in the city...

Buinsa Temple is a reconstructed Buddhist site from the 7th century. If you’ve been to several Asian temples or buddhist sites, there isn’t much that stands out about it. I liked the scenery more than anything. It was just relaxing to be away from the hustle and bustle of a city with four millions people. It was surrounded by lush green mountains and a large farm with grapes and apples!

The area around the Buinsa Temple was very relaxing... I'm so glad I escaped the city!!!

Continue reading South Korea Foodamentary Part II: Lunch at the Buinsa Buddhist Temple