Photo Essay: Doug Stuber

By Doug Stuber

Although Baegyansa is very popular in autumn, perhaps due to its reflecting pond, or large parking capacity, there is another Buddhist temple north of Gwangju which offers over 500 maples on an easy hike that presents overflow crowds with every fall color. Located near Gochang, Meungsusa is a series of seven buildings nestled among some of the older trees. Meungsusa was originally built in the 1630s and rebuilt in the early 1800s. One old building remains rustic, giving its courtyard an authentic ambiance. A meditative respite from the crowds of tripod toting shutterbugs is thus ensured for the spiritually inclined.