Bongeunsa temple marks the Buddha's birthday

For hundreds of years since it moved to the current site in the 1500s, Bongeunsa was an isolated temple far from the bustle of civilization.

Subsequently, however, the metropolis of Seoul grew up around it and now Coex, the largest underground mall in the world, sits across from the ancient site and its 3,000-plus Buddhist scriptures.

Here we see the temple as it is made ready for Buddha's birthday -- one of Seoul's most colorful events of the year. The next major ceremony is Jeongdaebulsa, which will be held on October 5.