Bongcheon Temple is packed with visitors thanks to some gardening

Bongcheon Temple in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang, is becoming a hotspot for visitors thanks to the aster flowers being in full bloom. [LEE SUN-MIN]

MUNGYEONG, North Gyeongsang — Before saying hello to the bare twigs of the trees in the cold winter months, get a final glimpse of something colorful with the purply flowering aster in Mungyeong.

Buddhist monks at Bongcheon Temple in Mungyeong planted aster to offer a new look for the first time this year. The temple is surrounded with the purple flowers which also line the roads that lead up to the temple on Mount Wolbang.

This particular flower comes into full bloom in fall, offering a bright violet in contrast to the autumnal reds, yellows and oranges. Those planted around the temple have already grown as tall as the height of an average adult. Thanks to social media, the scenes of purple flowers moving gently in the wind has gone viral.

Although the area gets packed with people, it doesn’t feel as crowded once you are in the middle of the flower fields, because the flowers are just tall enough to cover your view. Most people don’t move much inside the field; they rather find one spot that offers a good overview and a great backdrop for their photos.

It is said about 1,500 people visit the temple to see the flowers on the weekends and on holidays, which was unheard of prior to the flowers being planted.

Parking is tough to find as you get close to the temple, it is recommended to park as soon as you see any empty spot if you are within a kilometer of the temple, and just walk.

BY LEE SUN-MIN [summerlee@joongang.co.kr]