Won Buddhism Wonnam Temple

_hyogeun_

"A Place for Rest" - The Won Buddhism Wonnam Temple

These are tumultuous times. There's hardly any hopeful news amidst the rapidly changing society, and as the weather grows colder, feelings of loneliness deepen. To soothe loneliness, one might turn on YouTube or Netflix, only to feel it's a waste of time, or browse through social media, ending up feeling hurt by comparisons with others. Once enjoyable hobbies, like exploring spaces, have started to feel like a chore, burdening rather than liberating, as I notice myself compulsively taking photos with my phone in every new place. What I realized I needed was 'rest' itself.

Rest, to me, consists of both mental and physical relaxation. Mental relaxation is immersing oneself in introspection, while physical is simply lying down calmly. While physical rest can be achieved through sleep, mental rest requires authentic engagement with oneself to clear the mind.

Finding a space for mental rest is more challenging in daily life, which leads me to seek religious spaces regularly. The space I'm introducing today, 'Won Buddhism Wonnam Temple,' is one such religious architecture ideal for those seeking rest.

Built in 1969 and reborn in 2022, Wonnam Temple is geographically significant, bordered by Changgyeong Palace and Jongmyo to the west, Seoul National University Hospital to the north, Marronnier Park and Daehangno to the east, and Cheonggyecheon and Gwangjang Market to the south.

Won Buddhism encourages integrating faith and practice into daily life, making its spaces particularly attuned to urban contexts and harmonious with their surroundings. The building's form is intentionally indefinite, incorporating various shapes to blend with the expanded pathways around it, creating continuous movement and connecting the building seamlessly to its rooftop via the 'Path of the Buddha,' culminating in panoramic views.

The 'Daejakjeon,' the main space of Wonnam Temple directed by the Path of the Buddha, houses the Ilwon Sang, a symbol of the universe and everything within it according to Won Buddhism. The contrast between the unchanging Ilwon Sang and the shifting natural light creates a dramatic space conducive to reflection. The 12-meter-high column-free space and slightly tilted concrete walls guide focus to the Ilwon Sang, while the scent of wood from the floors and furniture wraps one in comfort, facilitating a clear focus and introspection.

Despite coming here to rest, I found myself snapping photos. It's regrettable but having taken the time to gather my thoughts, I now look forward to purely enjoying the space without my camera. Perhaps when life demands a pause again, a visit here might provide the strength to move forward.

Architecture by Cho Min-seok (@mass_studies)
Photos and writing by Shin Hyogeun (@_hyogeun_)

#A_Good_Experience_Space

22-2, Changgyeonggung-ro 22-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul