Why NOW picked itAn easy after-work stop from the Anguk or Jonggak side. From Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 you can join a free, no-reservation audio-guided walk between 18:00 and 20:30.
The grounds of Jogyesa in the middle of Jongno are filled with autumn chrysanthemums. The 16th Chrysanthemum Hwaeom Festival opened on Oct. 13 and runs into November, and from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 there is also a free, no-reservation audio-guided night walk through the temple every evening from 18:00 to 20:30.
Chrysanthemums all around the courtyard
Jogyesa's notice names the 16th festival 'Colorful Autumn Banquet' and gives its dates as October to November. It opened on Oct. 13, and Munhwa Today reported it would last about a month.
At the opening, the abbot encouraged visitors to leave their wishes under the tree modelled on Mount Sumeru and at the twelve zodiac animal statues. Wish slips could be hung on the chrysanthemum lanterns.
After dark, with an audio guide
As part of Seoul Wellness Travel Week, meditation night walks run at Bongeunsa, Jogyesa and Hwagyesa from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4, daily from 18:00 to 20:30. Korean and English guidance plays through the 'Trip Audio' app or a QR code.
There is no reservation, no headcount limit and no fee. It is an easy detour from the Jonggak or Anguk side after work.
What else is on in November
Dates in the notice that a casual visitor might notice: the children's art contest on Oct. 25, a 3,000-bow retreat for the Buddhist College on Nov. 7 and a Medicine Buddha consecration in the main hall on Nov. 11. On ceremony days the grounds may feel different from usual.
The address is 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, and the phone number is 02-768-8600. The notice does not give a final day for the festival, so we say only 'into November'.
The three Buddha statues in Jogyesa's main hall (taken in 2012; not a photo of the festival). Photo by Severin.stalder, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
