Rainbows and Crosses

One of the things I love about the changes of seasons is that it enables me to see the same scenes in a whole new way. I passed by this wall many times on my walk without giving it much of a glance, but on this autumn day, it begged for attention. 

Before me was a splendid "rainbow" in warmer hues.

The Cross was also featured, reminding me that God is always with me and can even speak through nature.

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A Walk Through the Woods

The bright sunshine beckoned us out for a walk through the woods. The leaves were already quite deep in some places along the path, but Meko (the dog) was keen in accompanying us.  

The afternoon sun cast long shadows on the leaf-strewn forest floor. Many of the trees are already rather bare, allowing even more light to penetrate.

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Framed by Yellows and Oranges

Shortly after I started my walk yesterday morning, the clouds gave way to reveal the sun. A great opportunity to take a few photos of the changing colors in my neighborhood.

If only the colors would last!

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Tenney Park Bridges, Autumn

The other evening I went for a walk to nearby Tenney Park. The early autumn lighting was quite nice, complemented by the very still conditions.

Here I focused on a few of the bridges in the park, combined with some the some changing leaves.

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Nature's Glow

With the azaleas much farther this week, I decided to go for a walk after school, exploring the color of nearby Yonsei University. I love photographing its well-maintained campus. While walking down one of its many slopes, my eye was drawn to the red glow beneath the shade of some trees. I loved how the red glow was reflected in the window of the Tudor-style building.

It's not the first time I've photographed this area. Below is the same spot in autumn.

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Seonunsa Streams and Autumn Foliage

When hiking through Seonunsa, I just couldn't help myself. Such incredible autumn foliage, echoed in the streams along the path. Even the rains couldn't dampen my excitement of the beauty around me.  

Just think of how these scenes would have looked if the skies would have been under clear skies or during the "golden hour" of late afternoon...

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Gangnam Autumn Reflections - times ten

Fall in Gangnam, Seoul - even better when seeing it multiple times through multiple reflections and even reflections of those reflections. It's good to preserve such memories for those upcoming dull and dreary winter days.

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Sunday Morning Walk to the Temple

After a couple of rainy weekends, the sun briefly came out on Sunday after church. Although I had plenty to do, I felt compelled to at least go for a quick walk through the nearby woods and local temple. Perhaps by next weekend, the brilliant autumn trees might be devoid of their magnificent leaf display.

What a difference several weeks made; trees that were must beginning to turn colors were now just past their prime.  

Pathways were carpeted with warm-hued leaves. The collection grew as the gentle breeze loosened more fiery-colored leaves, fluttering to the ground.

Yellows spotted by the door on the freshly-painted temple building were echoed in the nearby trees.

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Splashes and Canopies of Color

What a wonderful thing it is to live right next to such a beautiful campus. Although Yonsei University is an impressive campus at any time during the year, its well-maintained grounds is particularly notable during the fall and spring. In the fall, I look forward to seeing "my tree" (pictured above in the left side of the photo) blaze its tiny maple leaves in fire red.

By the old Tudor-style buildings, Gingko, chestnut, and maple trees abound. The vines on the buildings also turn crimson red, adding to the warmth of the scenery.

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Glow of the Chestnut Leaves

It was a good feeling to have finished with report cards. Stepping outside of school, I saw how beautiful the late afternoon lighting was. So I did what any good photographer would do - dumped my school bag and grabbed my camera. The neighboring campus of Yonsei University did not disappoint. The warm "golden hour" sunlight dappled on some maple leaves near one of the older buildings. As it was on a steep slope, I decided to approach it from the bottom. As I walked on the narrow support wall, I spotted more photographic opportunities.

The chestnut leaves rustled gently in the breeze, strongly illuminated by the low sun. The glowing yellow leaves with a fairy dust of red Japanese maple leaves against the dark bark created a canvas only God could paint.

Even the various warm hues of the chestnut tree made for a great shot. Needless to say, I took a few more photos in this spot, observing the wonderful interplay of light and color.

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Out for a Morning Drink

As I walked through the main gate of the Bongeunsa temple, my eyes were drawn to movement at the stream to the left of the path. Just as with my spring visit, a creature was enjoying pleasures of the water. Perhaps it is because of the cat that the birds are not present to enjoy a bath...

Bongeunsa Temple - May 2015

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Bongeunsa Temple - Pinks and Oranges

Now in my fourth year living in Seoul, I have had the opportunity to revisit places in different seasons. This weekend I revisited Bongeunsa Temple to see how it had changed since last spring.

The dominant spring hues of pink and white were now replaced by varying oranges, yellows, and not-changed-yet greens. The colors weren't as intense as I'd hoped, but they were still enjoyable to behold. The morning was a cool, but very sunny one, the air incredibly (for Seoul) clear. This made the lighting feel very dynamic and full of contrasts.

Although it was a quick visit this time, I was glad to have come back to view the transformation. Which season do you feel best compliments the temple structures and statues?

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Golden Flow, Seoraksan

There's something extra special when the painted hues of autumn leaves interacts with the gentle flow of water. It's a magical combination that magnifies the beauty inherent within each. 

When hiking in Korea's Seoraksan National Park, I couldn't resist photographing this duo, whether it was calm, tranquil water or rippling streams. The backlit leaves set against clear water beckoned my lens. 

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Paper Cranes and Flower Trees

My favorite part of the display at the Jogyesa Chrysanthemum festival was located near the back of the complex. Set next to the already graceful curved tiled roof and dancheong patterns of the temple buildings, the display added additional color. Floral sheep appeared to be nibbling the grass; a tiger also made from chrysanthemums seemed less ferocious. Undulating mounds of flowers turned into mountains of Seoul. Cranes made from hanji paper flew overhead, with the silvergrass below gently moving in the breeze.

With the skyscrapers jutting out in the background, I was reminded that I actually was in a huge metropolitan city. Traditions of Buddhist Korea set against the modern society.

 If you attended the Chrysanthemum festival, which display was your favorite?

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Now that's a Green Thumb!

One of the more unusual displays at the Chrysanthemum Festival at Jogyesa Temple greets visitors just after they enter the gate. With its mossy-like surface and lavender painted fingernails, this sculpture sure caught my eye. The large Chrysanthemums trimmed so neatly in the shape of lotus petals completes the ensemble. That Buddha must certainly have a green thumb.

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Jogyesa Chrysanthemum Festival 2015

Fall is a beautiful time in Korea. The leaves here are more vibrant than they typically are in Wisconsin, perhaps due to the more gradual change in temperature. One way that Korea enjoys celebrating the change of seasons is through festivals. The Buddhist temple of Jogyesa gets in on the action as well, holding its annual Chrysanthemum festival. This is the fifth year of the festival, in which the grounds of this downtown Seoul temple are transformed with sculptural riots of colored Chrysanthemum flowers and other fall plants such as silvergrass. Every year the display is different, which makes it worthwhile to revisit.

Once inside the gate, viewers are welcomed by a massive tree of mums, surrounded by a rainbow maze of more Chrysanthemums. It reminds me of a giant marigold puff ball tree.

Several young monk sculptures decorated with flowers are part of the display. The money sticking out of his neckline must mean that someone really liked his outfit. 

There were several topiary pieces in the shape of animals. That's quite the colorful bullock and cart!

Just as with the lanterns, people could donate money for a plant, enabling their name to be prominently displayed. 

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning, surrounded by such rainbows of color on a bright, sunny day. Fall in Korea is great!

The Chrysanthemum festival goes from Oct 4 to November 15. Enjoy!

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Seoraksan Fall Photos - Flickr

My Fall photos of Seoraksan on Flickr. See Album

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