탄허기념박물관

_hyogeun_

I prefer entering buildings on foot over bus, and by bus over subway to fully experience a space. This action briefly acquaints one with the neighborhood's atmosphere, and the wind, light, and day's weather, preparing one's mindset to welcome the space. Even outside the architect's discretion, this is an essential factor in experiencing the building. Fortunately, external factors outside the architect's discretion positively impact the experience at this space. Walking up a gentle slope from the bus stop, one encounters restaurants, cafes, and houses, but these fade as one nears the building, distancing oneself from the worldly. Knowing this place commemorates 'Monk Tanheo,' this distancing feels like a departure from the secular. The entrance illuminates this feeling with 108 oxidized iron pillars symbolizing 108 steps and colored lanterns creating ambiguous internal and external boundaries, enhancing the experience. Without prior outside experiences, the entrance effect would diminish. Removing shoes upon entry extends this preparatory experience. The approach and entrance prepare visitors mentally, focusing them more on the inside experience. This site honors Monk Tanheo, a leading scholar-monk in Korean Buddhism, blending Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. 'Grand Master' is the highest religious order in Taego, indicating the specialness of entering a space dedicated to 'Grand Master Tanheo.' The interior, whilst not needing explicit description, quickly reveals its charisma, attributed to the earlier spatial flow. Readers are encouraged to experience entering the building from the bus stop. This place is the 'Tanheo Memorial Buddhist Museum'.