English through Mythology – Haeinsa Temple (海印寺)

Haeinsa Temple and Mount Gaya:

Creative Dialogue (대화)

Instructions: Please read the sample dialogue (대화) about Haeinsa (해인사) and Mount Gaya (가야산). This will give you some ideas! After reading the sample dialogue, please make up a new dialogue (새로운 대화) about Haeinsa and Mount Gaya. Good luck!

Sample dialogue : Takashi and Ji-hong decide to visit Haeinsa Temple

Takashi, a student from Tokyo, is visiting his South Korean friend, Ji-hong. In this dialogue, the two friends decide to travel to Haeinsa Temple.

Takashi: Ji-hong, you’re a wonderful host. Thank you for your hospitality here in Gyeongju! I really appreciate it.

Ji-hong: It’s my pleasure. I’ve really enjoyed showing you the sights of Gyeongju.

Takashi: Gyeongju is a very special town. There are so many historic attractions here! I will never forget the burial mounds. I will never forget Anapji Pond.

Ji-hong: Later today, we will travel to one of South Korea’s greatest temples.

Takashi: Really? Which temple (사찰)?

Ji-hong: We’re going to visit Haeinsa Temple (해인사). Haeinsa Temple is one of the three gems of Korean Buddhism (불교). It’s located at the foot of Mount Gaya (가야산).

Takashi: It’s very kind of you to invite me on a trip! I’m curious (궁금해요) about Haeinsa Temple. Is Haeinsa Temple similar (비슷해요) to Tongdosa Temple?

Ji-hong: Well, there are some similarities, but there are also some differences.

Takashi: Why is Haeinsa Temple so famous (유명해요)?

Ji-hong: Haeinsa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (유네스코 세계문화유산). When we visit Haeinsa Temple, we will see a collection of 81,000 printing blocks made of wood. These wooden blocks were used for printing the Buddhist holy texts. We call them the ‘Tripitaka Koreana’ (팔만대장경).

Takashi: That sounds amazing!

Ji-hong: We will also see a maze (미로) with lotus lanterns (연등). This special maze was designed by Great Monk Uisang (의상대사).

Takashi: I’m really excited! I think our visit to Haeinsa Temple will be fun (재미 있겠습니다).

Ji-hong: Don’t forget to pack your hiking boots (등산화). After visiting Haeinsa Temple, we can climb Mount Gaya.

Takashi: Is Mount Gaya very high?

Ji-hong: It isn’t especially high, but it’s fun to climb.

Takashi: I’m looking forward to our trip. Let’s go!

Instructions: Now it’s your turn to make up a new and exciting dialogue about Haeinsa Temple and Mount Gaya. You have six minutes to prepare. Good luck!