I got to the alms ceremony early - I was outside the temple by 5 AM – so I got to see everyone set up, and I was there when the monks and novices started their procession. It was a fascinating ceremony. I had chosen to participate in it rather than just observe. I was instructed on what to wear, and my guide provided the necessary scarf which is part of the proceedings. He also provided a stool to sit on and a rug and the steamed rice that I distributed. Getting there early gave me a chance to really get a sense of how things would work. And the whole experience was very fascinating. However, when the monks filed past, each of them would open their basket for me to put my offering in, and not one of them smiled or thanked me. One of them did speak to me and tell me that I was offering too much rice to each monk. But that was the only interaction I had. It kind of felt like being back in the states and distributing candy on Halloween trick-or-treaters, who just wanted to collect as much candy as they could in the shortest possible amount of time. In the long run, I think it’s a really interesting thing to understand and see. However, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I was just photographing the monks in their procession, rather than handing out offerings of steamed rice.

Our guide was waiting outside when we woke up at roughly 4:30 am to watch the almsgiving ceremony. At around 5:00 am, we left for the roads where we could see the long lines of monks going by. Waking up early in the morning is quite difficult, but trust me—it's worth it.

I had no idea what to expect and what an amazing adventure. It was quite humbling. I also had no idea how young the monks would be. To learn about this culture and take part was a true once in a life time opportunity. So, get out of bed and participate. You will not regret the adventure.

We got up at 530am to stand back at a distance to watch this. It is quite sad that it has become a tourist attraction where tourists pay to sit on a stool and participate in something they don't understand. It kind of ruins the tradition in our opinion. Loads of Koreans lined the street from tours and were very loud and walking up and down with cameras in the monks faces. Its a shame really.