Lovely photos of trees today, @slowwalker. They're a symbol of the Korean people firmly planted in the land.

Against the background of Nature is the shelter of human society with its ornate temple and memorial to a past government leader.

Despite the changing seasons and times, the land endures along with the Korean people.

A common thread that runs through your posts is the juxtaposition of the traditional and the modern - although they seem disconnected, there is continuity.

Korea always had kings and strong rulers so it wasn't surprising that a man like Rhee Syng Man emerged at a pivotal time in Korean history.

In a country used to the reign of kings it was not unusual that a strong man should arise with autocratic tendencies.

Often the wrong decision is made for the right reasons, and although the opposition to communism was laudable, the removal of democratic rights was not.

It's necessary in assessing a leader's legacy to avoid simplistic labels such as hero or villain. Men have feet of clay and the passing of years will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of even the greatest leaders.

So let the epitaph stand as a symbol of the indomitable will of the South Korean people.

The photos of the temple building from various angles were beautiful and I look forward to seeing the interior, my friend.