As you can imagine, it’s been a bit of a strange week here in Korea, but one that reminds me why it’s good to practice.

This Buddha sits just past the entrance into Seoraksan National Park, on the grounds of Sinheung temple, and is one of three Great Unification Buddhas in Korea that I am aware of, there may be others.

Seoraksan, known as the most beautiful mountain in South Korea, was originally a part of the North when the line separating the two was first drawn along the 38th parallel. When fighting ended in stalemate in 1953, the new line, now the DMZ, dissected the old one, with South Korea gaining this area in the east.

Less than 50km from the DMZ, it’s as good a place as any to pray for reunification of the peninsula. Those who have not seen their brothers and sisters in 60 years have concerns that once they are gone there will be less initiative for the two side to work things out, and lets hope that possibility isn’t as far off as it seems now.