The Sincheon river that runs north to south thru downtown has a biking trail on both sides popular with local bikers and city residents out for a stroll with families, or walking their dog. I've always avoided it expecting it to be busy, which it normally is. However, towards the south end of the trail I discovered an interesting Temple more reminiscent of Thailand providing a unique experience in the heart of the city.

This was my first time biking south down the Sincheon as I normally use the less crowded Geumhogang. As expected it was busier with locals, children, and small dogs. Some seniors were playing a version of croquet or bowls in some places.

Heading south past the Debec Dept store an interesting Temple became visible on the east side. What caught my eye from the distance were the stacked gold balls on the roof giving the building a very distinctive look not characteristic for Korean Temples.

Curious I stopped by on my northbound return. There was a side entrance way when you follow the traditional walls around the building. I later found the main entrance with a roadway but it was undergoing construction.

The main doorway in had a large carved eagle over the entrance way. Upon entering two women told me to goto the second floor. The staircase was also beautifully decorated with murals along the walls and the underside of the stairs similar to DaeSeongsa Temple near Duryu Park (see earlier entry http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-e ntries/londone7/1/1352749711/tpod.html)

There was a second floor landing which lead to the main prayer hall. This was a long chamber spanning the length of the building

The main shrine had a giant seated gold Buddha at the end. Behind the Buddha was a mural made in gold showing scenes of various other deities, as well as the two side panels which had the own carved mural scenes.

Back on the main floor there were some other rooms down the corridor next to the staircase. One was a smaller prayer room with shrine, and beside was a childrens prayer room. There was also a lecture room and another meeting room.

Outside the building had interesting carved artwork in the exterior walls, as well as the landscaped gardens which was undergoing renovation work in the parking lot.

Being right on the river in the city centre with its distinctive features it reminded me of Temples in Bangkok. When I was leaving one of the women rushed over to give me a visitors book, however it was all in German!. There was also a cafeteria on the lower level which I forgot to visit.

I often see comments that people are 'tired of looking at Temples' and that they're 'all the same' but there are still unique finds for those with an interest in cultural heritage. This is a unique Temple right in the heart of the city which is rare as most of the major ones are in mountain ranges or the countryside.