On New Years Day in 2013, I had the opportunity to attend a very special ceremony at a temple in Pyeongtaek. Since I have started my research on Sri Lankan history and culture and customs for my memoir Beautiful Eye, I have become personal friends with a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk in South Korea. In fact his temple is not far from where I live at all. He has become a very special person in my life with his knowledge of Sri Lanka and with introducing me to other Sri Lankans in South Korea.
The temple’s name is Don-Wan-Sa and is about a 20 to 30 minute walk from the Camp Humphreys main gate. You can also take bus 20 from Pyeongtaek station. Walk out exit 1 and cross the street. The bus ride is about 15 minutes. To take a taxi from Pyeongtaek station or from Camp Humphreys (the recommended way as it’s hard to find), show this address to the taxi:
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 안정4리 83 44 도원사
In English it’s:
83-44 Anjeong-ri, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
if you have an American GPS and want to drive. The temple phone number is 031-691-4046 if your taxi does get lost.
Main entrance to Don-Wan-Sa in Pyeongtaek
Lanterns decorated at Don-Wan-Sa for the ceremony
Lanterns inside the temple
Alter at the temple
Some of the participants at the ceremony
Sri Lankan monks
Offering time
Traditional Sri Lankan food
Prayers and well-wishes
The monks pose for photos
Kandian dancing to open the ceremony
The procession to the temple
Note that the ceremonies at this temple have been moved to the other side of Camp Humphreys. For details, go to the 
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