Bongeun Temple poses security trouble ahead of G20 summit

By Park Si-soo

A Buddhist temple is emerging as a major headache for police after having gone to all lengths to strengthen security during the G20 summit in Seoul between Nov. 11 and 12.

Bongeun Temple, where more than 2,000 out of 200,000 registered believers pay a visit daily, is located just across the road from the COEX Convention Center in Samseong-dong, the main venue for the summit.

Among factors raising police concerns are possible rallies against President Lee Myung-bak’s policies inside the temple during the summit period.

A law specially enacted for the gathering bans any type of collective action within 2 kilometers from the venue. But in Korea, Buddhist temples are seen as sort of “sanctuary” in the same category along with churches and cathedrals.

Police entry into such facilities without permission is regarded as violation of religious property. For that reason, Myeongdong Cathedral in central Seoul has frequently been used as shelter for fugitives or pro-democracy activists confronting police crackdowns in the past.

Police have begged the temple to close for security concerns during the summit period. But the temple has denied the request, responding that it has never closed in its 1,200-year history. Instead, the temple plans to distribute IDs to its registered Buddhist followers to help police verify their status.

“We expect lots of visitors before and during the period as the 2010 College Scholastic Ability Test is scheduled for Nov. 12,” a temple officer said.

The test is crucial to obtain university admission in Korea and many parents, especially mothers visit the temple to pray for their children.

The officer said the temple will make efforts to keep protesters away. But, as is the norm, it will not allow police forces to enter to deter illegal protesters inside, the officer added.