8th Danyang Best Scenery in Choongbook Province in Korea-Information

Danyang District is located at middle of country, Choonhcheonbuk Province not only which has been keeping a long historical story and cultural background but also which has been touching boundary with Youngwol District at north and with Poonggi District in Kyeongsangbukdo Province at East and with Yecheon in Kyeongsanbukdo province at South and with Jecheun City in Choongbook Province. Danyang District has been spreading at Sobaek Mountain area covering Namhangang River flowing from north to south direction. There are so many natural and spectacular scenery around the mountain and river containing 8^th Best Scenery as below.

There are several ways going there Danyang by Intercity or express bus or by normal train or limousine. I personally suggest you would better use Intercity bus or express bus transporting from the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Danyang Intercity Bus Terminal taking 2 hours and 30 minutes. They are running every hour outbound (To Danyang) from morning 7 o’clock to afternoon 6 o’clock every day taking 2 hours and 30 minutes and also every hour inbound (To Seoul) from morning 07:30 to 18:55 hours. As soon as you arrive at Danyang Bus terminal, you should negotiate taxi for covering these 8^th Best Scenery or you could skip some scenery if you do not want.

1.   Dodamsambong  (location: three rock islets Dodam-ri, Danyang-eup)

There are three rock islets standing in the middle of the Nam Han River: In the midst of the currents, one rock, called Husband Rock, looks like a figure of an imposing general, and north and south of it are the smaller rocks which are called Wife Rock and Mistress Rock, respectively. The jealous Wife Rock is seated with her back toward the Husband Rock who has his mistress to get a son, whereas the Mistress Rock of a pregnant woman shape looks up at the Husband Rock.

It is said that Chung Do-jeon, who was one of meritorious retainers in Joseon Dynasty, called his alias Sambong and enjoyed his life here during his young days. Originally, Mt. Sambong at Jeongsun-gun, Gangwon Province, had drifted down due to the flood and settled at Dodamsambong where it now is located. In older times, Danyang was compelled to pay taxes to Jeongsun-gun every year, but didn’t have to do so, since a boy named Chung Do-jeon had insisted that the Sambong, which stands in the way of currents, should be returned to its original place.

There is a hexagonal pavilion named Samdojeong on Janggunbong. In the autumn of the 42nd Year (1766) during the period of King Yeongjo, Danyang county chief Cho Jeong-se had constructed Neungyeongjeong, which was later ruined. In 1807, Kim Do-seong had set up a wooden square arbor, which was later washed away by deluge in 1972. Chairman Kim Sang-su at Sungshin Cement Co. reestablished a concrete hexagonal pavilion called Samdojeong in October 1976. At this peaceful resting place, anyone can feel like a poet while reciting a poem, and be absorbed in a fairytale world. Needless to say, its beautiful landscape inspired many classical scholars to create excellent poems:

The mountain is red like autumn leaves, and the water is clear like jade. The sky is aglow with the setting sun at Dodamsambong. When I sleep with my head on a hermit’s raft over a greenish rock, Golden waves are rippling under stars and moon that are shining.

2.   Dodamsambong Stone Gate (Location: Hagoe-ri, Maepo-eup)

 At the left riverside about 200m upstream of Dodamsambong appears a long, rainbow shaped stone gate. Some people say fairies and hermits, who enjoyed singing and dancing, frequent it. Below the right side of the stone gate is a small cave, in which rocks on the ground are lined up like 99 watery strips of rice paddies in a farming area. A legend explains it further:

Below the right side of the stone gate is a small cave, in which rocks on the ground are lined up like 99 watery strips of rice paddies in a farming area. A legend explains it further

A little farther upstream of the stone gate, a Turtle Rock, which appears to be elaborately carved, can be seen. And thujas, growing prolifically on the cliffs around the stone gate, add more greenery beauty to the surrounding landscapes all the year round.

3.   Gudambong (Location: Janghoe-ri, Danseong-myeon)

 On the precipitous cliffs with rocks of strange shapes, Gudambong resembles a tortoise. It is said that during the period of King Injong in the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Ji-beon lived here in seclusion after his retirement from his office, and roamed about the mountains and rivers riding on a bull. Far away from there, Jebibong, Mt. Geumsu and Mt. Worak can be seen. The place is one of the finest sceneries for sightseeing by means of water transportation on Lake Chungju.

At dawn, the moon hangs lonely over the ridge of a mountain. What is that high hunched Gudambong pondering over? An old hermit may have hidden himself in another mountain. Only a crane and a monkey are crying, with a cloud freely passing by in the skies.

4.   Oksunbong (Location: Janhoe-ri, Danseong-myeon)

 The white and mossy rocks, which spring up like bamboo shoots, look like classical scholars who are integral. Rocks of strange shapes, freely making up the lines of bending and winding, appear to be in good harmony with each other. Originally, Oksunbong belonged to Cheongpung.

During the period of King Myeongjong in the Joseon Dynasty, a kisaeng named Duhyang asked Toegye Lee Hwang, who came to accede to the office of Danyang County chief, for Oksunbong to be returned to Danyang-gun. However, Cheongpung the vice envoy refused to do so. The new appointed chief engraved his writing on a stone wall, which describes Oksunbong, which was the gateway to Danyang, and the boundary between the two counties. Later, the vice envoy went to Oksunbong to know about who had drawn the borderlines. However, he was said to have been very amazed at the wonderful engraving that looked so strong and alive, and to have given up Oksungbong.

Oksunbong, nicknamed Salt River, is well known for its magnificent view. An old historic book describes how Kim Il-son, a civil minister in the Joseon Dynasty, greatly extolled the beauty of these marvelous ravines.

5.   Sangseonam (Location: Gasalli, Danseong-myeon)

 The rocks are located 2 km upstream of Jungseonam. During the period of King Myeongjong in the Joseon Dynasty, Suam Kwon Sang-ha is said to have designated it.

Around this vicinity, tourists can experience delight in watching the ravine waters gushing through huge rocks and waterfalls that sound like thunder splashing enormous water drops in all directions. Sightseeing tourists can also enjoy seeing the weirdly shaped rocks on both banks, the clear sounds from the ever-flowing mountain streams, and birds singing in the dense forests.

6.   Jungseonam (Location: Daejamli, Danseong-myeon)

 This scenic attraction was designated by Kim Su-jeung who was a civil minister during the period of King Hyojong in the Joseon Dynasty. Transparent streams, revealing a fantastic landscape in the summer season, skirt white rocks, which were piled up in layers. Adjacent to it are Ssangnyong Waterfalls in which two dragons rose up toward the sky and two white majestic rocks called Ogyeomdae and Myeonggyeongdae.

The writings on four counties, including Danyang, Yeongchun, Jechon and Chungpoong, were inscribed on the surface of Ogyeomdae. Against white rocks and old pine trees on Mt.Dorak granite colored sunrays and clouds in a clear sky that are vividly reflected on the waters make a wonderful view. Myriad people from have frequented the site from the Joseon Dynasty on, including as many as 300 artists and sages whose names had been engraved on the rock.

7.   Haseonam (Location: Daejamli, Danseong-myeon)

 Haseonam is one of many scenic spots deep in the mountains, with white rocks layered on the base. A very huge round rock stands on the wide floor of rocks, which was at first called Buddha Rock and then Seonam by county chief, Lim Jae-kwang, and later Haseonam by Toegye Lee Hwang in Joseon Dynasty. Crystal-clear streams flow through this area and a rock that is reflected on the water seems to be shining so lucidly like a rainbow that it is called Red Rock.

The place is surrounded by azaleas and royal azaleas in the spring, clouds and mist in the summer, tinged leaves in the autumn, snowy old pine trees in the winter, respectively, thus creating a picturesque backdrop against which many painters were said to have drawn pictures during the Dynasty.

8.   Saunam (Location: Sainamli, Daegang-myeon)

Sainam was named after the clear streams in the valley, by Danyang County chief, Lim Jae-kwang during the period of King Seongjong during the Joseon Dynasty, since the great scholar Yeukdong Woo Tak, had visited here on pleasant excursions during his official service of Sain at the end of the Goryeo Dynasty.

The high stone wall induces visitors to exclaim spontaneously in amazement at the sight of it. During the Joseon Dynasty, many poets dropped by here and inscribed letters on the stone wall.

Gangwha Jeondeungsa Temple at Incheon City in Korean- Tour

1. ate and Time : Aug 21, 2018.  10:30~13:00 (2 hours and 30 minutes including half an hour break).

2. Location : Gangwha District at Incheon City in Korea. 

3. Distance and Course :

      About 7.64 km. Course is to start Jeondeungsa Dongmun Parking Lot  => South Gate => Daeungbojeon (Main Temple) => Myeongbujeon (Annex Temple) => Yaksayeoraejeon (Annex Temple) => Jeongjoksago (Archives) => Bukmun (North Gate) => Samnangsan (Jeongjoksan) Peak (222.5m Altitude) => Bukmun (North Gate) => Jeongjoksago (Archives) => Samsungdang (Annex Temple) => Daeungbojeon (Main Temple) => South Gate => Back to Dongmun Parking Lot.

      4. Particular and Summary :

Jeondeungsa Temple was originally called Jinjongsa during the Goryeo Dynasty. It functioned as a sanctuary enshrining family ancestors. Jeondeungsa Temple is located in Samrangseong Fortress, which is said to have been built by the three sons of Dangun, the founder of Korea.

Jeondeungsa Temple contains significant architectural works, including the main building Daeungbojeon. Decorated with delicate carvings, it is a superlative example of the architecture of the mid-Joseon Dynasty. The canopy situated above the Buddha statue inside Daeungbojeon building showcases masterful workmanship. On the walls and columns of Daeungbojeon, visitors can see names of soldiers written on the walls. These soldiers fought against the French Navy and wrote their names in Jeondeungsa to pray to Buddha for good luck in war. You could read more details at http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264302 

5. Access :

There is various ways to connect Subway Line No.2 which you are supposed to change to Express Bus No. M6117 at Hyundai Department Store Bus Stop ID:13-022 referring to map of “Change Subway Line 2 at Shincheon Station to Bus Stop 13-022 Shincheon Ogueri”. Please stay with the Bus for 52 minutes and get off at Pungkyeongmaru Bus Stop after 3 times bus stop passing. You should change local bus No 60-5 there and get off at Boligogae  bus stop taking 50 minutes for 9 bus stop passing. As soon as you get off at the bus stop, you should walk to Jeondeungsa Temple South Gate Parking Lot taking 9 minutes for 627m. You could take bus route through reverse on your way back.
But you would reduce this transportation time to 4 hours for round trip in case you use private car or rent car which you could save one hour for the transportation. 

6. Overall Remarks.

      Gangwha Jeondeungsa Temple is consisting with following treasures, wooden sculptures, Buddha painting, annex temple hall and so on. I have been introducing these one at according to visiting course. If you like to look a video, please link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3SLnn_w757E 
     1) Nammun (South Gate) : This gate is one of four entrance gate at Samnangseong (Fort Castle) like East Gate, West Gate, South Gate and North Gate which is constructed at Samnagsan mountain. But two gate, North Gate and West Gate) are not practically used. Therefore you could use gate, South or East gate. When you access to Jeondeungsa Temple from Jeondeungsa Crossroad Junction, you will meet Dongmun (East Gate) first. If you further up for 500m, you could reach Nammun (South Gate) secondly where is connected to the Nammun Parking Lot 
      2) Jeondeungsa Younjangdae : This is Octagonal tower containing Buddhist Scriptures shaping with top. Anybody rote this top spindle which means they completely gone through the Scripture. It is so hard to read complete Buddha Scripture in fact. One Chinese Month, Seonhaedaesa well understand this hardness and alternatively introduce Younjangdae method to encourage Buddhist to ordinary people. It is normal people arrange to install Younjangdae inside the temple area but this one is particularly built outside the temple area.   Develop. 
      3) Daeungbojeon (Main Temple) : Jeondeungsa Temple last more than 1,600 years old which was several time rebuilt due to fire including Daeungbojeon. It was assumed naked sculptures would be engraved sometimes at later 17 centuries. Leading carpenter was managing to build Daeungbojeon (Main Temple) who was separated from his family at his home town and used to drop near-by inn for taking care of his loneness and homesick. He was fallen in love with woman owner at the inn. Whenever he receive the money for his works, he transferred whole money to her and heard from the woman as “ We will rush to open sweet home as soon as you finish  on hand Daeungbojeon Rebuild Works”. He answered “O.K. Let’s build so sweet home like picture and live together at the home”. He was looking forward to living with her soon and waiting for the moment he would finish the works and at almost final stage and visit the inn. But woman was suddenly disappeared in the one evening without any notice to anybody. Therefore he raised question about the disappearances to neighbors and heard “ She ran away at night few days before. Please don’t think if you could find her since no way to find her. If you find her, no meaning because she did not truly love you. There is somebody behind her”. The Leading Carpenter was so angry and fly into rage and was scarcely doing his works and sometimes overnight without any sleep due to so bitter betrayal. He should finalize his works bearing his bitter feeling and eventually finished the works. He putting the naked woman sculptures at each corner of the temple column supporting the roof with her body considering sad love story with the woman. You could see clear pictures at the Photo as well as video attached. 
       4) Myeongbujeon (Annex House)

There are total 29 sacred image like Jijangbosal, Shiwang, Gueiwang and so on. We sometimes call Myeongbujeon as Jijangjeon in case Jijangbosal is installed at Myeongbujeon. This house is mainly for taking care of dead spirit waiting for their final judgement by the God which is made at 49 days after each passes away.  
5)  Yaksayeoraejeon (Annex House)

This wooden house was built at middle of Joseon Dynasty which Yeaksayeorae Juasang  (Medical Doctor Buddha) was installed for taking care of many Buddhist disease. If anybody would like to lean on Buddha, they should come to this Buddha and pray here. 
6)  Samsunggak (Annex House)

This wooden house is mainly for taking care of mountain god praying for any event related to mountain aspects like mountaineer or wood related business and so on. 
7)   Daejoru (Observation and Entrance Gate)

This house is for using good observation as well as entrance gate for Daeungbojeon (Main Temple) which could look down so beautiful Gangwha sea at south east direction. When you move from Younjangdae, you should pass the Daejoru under floor which you could look like framed picture of Daeungbojeon. 
8)   Beomjong (Temple Bell)

The temple bell of national treasure No. 393 hanged in the precinct of Jeondeungsa temple was cast at the Sungmyeongsa temple in the "North Song" of China in 1097. Special features appear; sound vibrating device not arranged there at the top of the bell as differentiated from Korea's one, and beautiful 16 petals of lotus flower are decorated around the dragon neck (bell top), and on surface between shoulder belt and waist belt of the bell inscribed there eight divination sign of oriental universe concept 
9)    eongjoksago (Archives)

Historical site where the archives of authentic records of Joseon dynasty was once maintained is situated there as ascending the left hill of 100 meters from the front of Myeongbujeon building.

Joseon dynasty first installed the archive for authentic records at Mt. Manisan and moved them to Jeondeungsa temple in 1660. Thereafter, Jeondeungsa temple had kept historical materials in the archive and was designated as a temple of royal regime with a full support under the guardianship.

Baekje 8th Best Historical Places in Buyeo City - Information

As explained at the “Three Old Dynasty Division with Capital”herein, Korea was divided by three major dynasties at old times, first Goguryeo Dynasty situated at North with capital in Pyeongyang and very wide territory even covering present China area, second Baekje Dynasty situated at South West with capital as Buyeo and third Shilla situated at South East with capital as Kyeongju. I would like to introduce best 8 historical places in Baekje Dynasty today. I have summarized outline of each one for the brief introduction. If you want to know more details of each one, please see http://www.buyeo.go.kr/html/en/ . All eight places are located in Buyeo City area which would not take so longer times to take look around since they are situated in one medium size city, Buyeo which at the middle of South Korea.  I estimate about 1 night and two days should be enough to cover these areas. 

There are several ways going there by express bus or by normal train or by super high speed train (KTX) or limousine. I personally suggest you would better use limousine transporting from the Incheon Airport to Buyeo City and taking 3 hours and 20 minutes. They are running three times a day inbound and outbound at Incheon Airport and Buyeo City Terminal.

1.   the Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress

The Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress, which are the ruins of a royal palace dating from the Sabi period of Baekje (538~660), are located in the north part of Buyeo. Busosan Mountain stands 106m tall, and the peak overlooks the winding Baengmagang River that envelops the city. Busosanseong Fortress traverses the ridges and valleys of this mountain, and on the southern foothills lays the Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri, which is the Baekje palace site from the Sabi period.

Relocation of the Capital to Sabi, and the Archaeological Site in Gwanbuk-ri and Busosanseong Fortress.  Ungjin (present-day Gongju) had been a strategic location for defense against the threats from Goguryeo, but it lacked the necessary characteristics required of a capital in relation to its natural geographic limitations resulting from its small area.

Thus, a consensus was reached on the need to found a new capital, and attention was turned to Sabi (present-day Buyeo), located south of Ungjin. King Seong (r. 523~554) relocated the capital from Ungjin to Sabi in 538, and the brilliant culture of Baekje flourished in the new capital for 123 years.

2.   Jeongnimsaji Temple Site

The Jeongnimsaji Temple Site, located in the heart of Buyeo, is one of the most well-known temple sites dating from the Baekje period. It is surrounded by mountains, which Geumseongsan located on its east and Busosan on its north.

Jeongnisamji, which was situated at the center of the capital during the Sabi period, contains a stone pagoda, with an inscription describing the story of how the Tang dynasty caused the fall of Baekje. This implies that Jeongnimsa was a symbolic place that shared the same fate as the Baekje Kingdom.

Jeongnimsaji has the typical layout of temples dating from the Baekje period. The middle gate, stone pagoda, Geumdang (Golden Hall), and auditorium were built in a straight line in the north-south direction, and they were surrounded by the living quarters of the monks and passageways.

3.   Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs

The Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs consist of 7 tombs located on the southern base of the 121m-tall Neungsan Mountain, which stretches in the west-east direction outside Sabidoseong. The owners of these ancient tombs are known to be the kings of Sabi Baekje and the royal family members.

This location is considered an ideal place, based on Pungsujiri (geomancy), as it is surrounded by ridges that are classified as Cheongnyong (Blue Dragon) and Baekho (White Tiger) on the left and right sides of Neungsan Mountain. It is also considered ideal because Baengmagang River flows across it.

After the existence of the Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs came to be known in 1915 during the Japanese occupation period, an excavation survey took place from 1916 until 1917, and this led to the discovery of 6 ancient tombs (Tombs No. 1 ~ 6: Jungsangchong, Junghachong, Seosangchong, Seohachong, Dongsangchong, and Donghachong tumuli). The seventh tomb was discovered during the repair work performed in 1971.

4.   Naseong Fortress

Naseong Fortress was the first fortress to be built during the Three Kingdom Period. It was built as an 8km-long fortress to protect and defend Sabi, the capital of Baekje. It starts at Busosanseong Fortress located on the northern end of the city, and wraps around the city on the north and east sides. The western and southern areas of the city were protected by the Geumgang River, which naturally served as a defensive barrier, and the bank that formed due to the flooding of the river served the role of a fortress.

In addition to its defensive function, Naseong served as a symbol that distinguish the areas inside and outside the capital. Its symbolism is also highlighted by the fact that the Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs, which were the royal tombs of Sabi Baekje, were built immediately outside Naseong, based on the principle of burying the dead outside the capital.

It has been around 1,500 years since the construction of Naseong Fortress, but most of the fortress wall remains intact today to demonstrate its majestic sight. Scientific excavation surveys have been conducted on the site since 1991, which has helped and provide more insight into the fortress.

5.   Jeongnimsaji Five Story Stone Pagoda

This Five Story Stone Pagoda has been erected at Jeongnimsaji site in Buyeo City which is built on the 1^st story foundation. Baeje Dynasty was destroyed by consortium army between Shilla and Dang (Old China). Sojeongbang, leader general of Dang left their victory at these records at the pagoda which made confusion to some Archaeology. This pagoda was one time called as Pyeongjetap with Korea shame. Foundation of pagoda has been made with square stone which is well supporting by five round columns positioning at center and each corner of squares. Pagoda body has been assembled with five stories which is supporting by four supporting columns at each edge. In order to prevent from aging or deformation, they made special design which shapes with a thicker core at the center of the square stone as they normally applied at wooden square layer in wooden house design. Stone roof is with thin stone layer on top of the pagoda which is run down to each corner from the middle of the roof and slightly lifted at each edge of the square stone roof. This particular design is elegant and graceful. This pagoda is typical Baekje pagoda along with Miruksaji Stone Pagada which we could say as a origin of stone pagoda in Korea. 

6.   Baekje Geumdong Daeheangro (Golden Incense Burner)

This is great golden incense burner which is 61.8cm high and weighing 11.8kg and which is generally divided with two parts, the one is body and the other lid. We could also divide with lid part as two parts, first one is lid body and second one a phoenix part. We could also divide with body part as body part and foundation part which is supporting the body part. That means we could say this Golden Incense Burner is consisting with four parts in detail. Upper phoenix part was fixed on the lid which is engraving as shape of strongly standing with widely opening two wings and taking magic pearl with beak respectively with neck. End of her tail is smoothly rising which is Baekje unique design style. There are five holes at chest of phoenix and musician which is naturally raising scent through these chest holes. While body part looks like full opened lotus flowers and lotus leaves which is engraving total 26 different kinds of animals like phoenix, fishes, dear, cranes and so on. There is a foundation at lower part engraving as dragon heading the foundation up. They are exhibited at National Buyeo Museum in Buyeo City.

7.   Buyeo Neungsanri Sari Seokjoyeoraegam 

Sari means remaining crystal sometimes after month cremation. We learned only well and hard cultivating month would possibly leave Sari after their cremation. This Sari Hall is a place to keep Sari which is shaped as upper part as arch style and lower part as rectangular shape just like tunnel which is 50cm X 50 cm square at bottom with 74cm high. You could figure as 50cm width and 74cm height and covering arch stone as tunnel.

There are ten Chinese letters at left and right in front of Sari Hall saying as this Sari hall was erected and constructed by Changwang (King) year in 554 which was containing Sari offered Princess, Changwang Sister. They are exhibited at National Buyeo Museum in Buyeo City.

8.   Buyeo Kyuamri Geumdong Kwaneumbosal Iepsang (the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy)

This Buddhist Goddess of Mercy with 21.1cm high was discovered and founded in 1970 at Buyeo City with others at temple site like caldron and other Kwaneumbosal.

The Kwaneumbosal is wearing gold crown on her head engraving little Buddha and features in round face with soft smile and hanging thin necklace on her neck which cross over at lotus decoration around waist. She took a dress which is hanging over her chest with two lines which is one time folded at waist line and after that straight running down to top of foot with expression of fine wrinkles at both legs. Her right hand is gently holding small glass ball between thumb and index finger and het left hand holding down with smoothly holding dress. She is standing on top of double layer foundation engraving lotus which is expressing neat feeling.

Natural features is at her face and well balanced between head and body which give us hint this sculptures form Baekje at early 7 century. They are exhibited at National Buyeo Museum in Buyeo City.

Shilla Best 8 Places in Kyeongju City - Information

As explained at the “Three Old Dynasty Division with Capital”, Korea was divided by three major dynasties at old times, first Goguryeo Dynasty situated at North with capital in Pyeongyang and very wide territory covering present China area, second Baekje Dynasty situated at South West with capital as Buyeo and third Shilla situated at South East with capital as Kyeongju. I would like to introduce best 8 historical places in Shilla Dynasty today. I have summarized outline of each one for the brief introduction. If you want to know more details of each one, please see http://guide.gyeongju.go.kr/deploy/eng/enjoy/02/index.html

There are several ways going there by airplane or by express bus or by normal train or by super high speed train (KTX). I personally suggest you would better use KTX with following information. You could directly take KTX at Incheon International Airport and get off at Shin Kyeongju Station taking 2 hour 10 minutes. Please see more details at http://www.letskorail.com/ebizbf/EbizbfForeign_pr16100.do?gubun=1. If you like to take a look all these 10 places, you would reserve two night and three days trip including transportation.

.1.   Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple   

The construction of Bulguksa Temple was begun by Gim Daeseong in 751 A.D., during the reign of King Gyeongdeok, and was completed in 774 A.D during the reign of King Hyegong. Its construction was begun and completed parallel with that of Seokguram.

Nestled in the western foothills of Mt. Tohamsan, Bulguksa Temple is a monumental work of art recognized throughout the world for its excellence. It depicts profound Buddhist principles and the spirit of artistic genius in a unique way. As the longed-for Buddhist land and ideal world of Silla imagination brought to earth, Bulguksa Temple is a realization of the earthly Saha World as expressed by Sakyamuni Buddha in the Lotus Sutra, Buddha’s Land of Bliss from the Amitabha (Infinite Life) Sutra, and the Lotus Land of Vairocana from the Avatamska (Flower Garland) Sutra.

2.    Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto

The construction of Seokguram Grotto was begun in 751 A.D. by Gim Daeseong, then prime minister under the reign of King Gyeongdeok of Silla. It was completed in 774 A.D. during the reign of King Hyegong. At the time it was completed, it was called Seokbulsa, meaning “Stone Buddha Temple.”

Seokguram Grotto, near the summit of Mt. Tohamsan, is a man-made cave that was assembled from white granite. Inside of Seokguram Grotto are 39 carved divinities, including Bodhisattvas, disciples, heavenly guards, and heavenly kings, all formed around a central principal figure of the Buddha. The rectangular antechamber of the Grotto is connected to the main rotunda by a corridor. The domed ceiling of the main chamber is exquisitely made from over 360 pieces of flat stone. The superb architectural technique employed here is unprecedented in the world in its excellence. Statues of a total of eight heavenly guards stand on either side of the antechamber that serves as the entrance to the Grotto. On each side of the entrance to the corridor are bas-relief carvings of Deva kings, while the narrow corridor is decorated with the Four Heavenly Kings carved in pairs.

3.   Gyeongju Donggung and Wolji (Imhaejeonji, Anapji)

In the town of Gyeongju there are more palaces and royal Silla heritage sites. Cheomseongdae, Gyerim, Wolseong and Anapji are directly connected to the palaces of Silla. Nodongdong, Noseodong, Gobungun, Daereungwon,

Hwangori in Wangli Gobungun are the tombs of the royal family and nobility. Hwangryeongsateo and Bunhwangsa are large temples of Silla. It is great to just walk or cycle around town to see the elegance and majesty of Silla.

The lotus fields around Anapji are beautiful like a painting and the canola blossoms around Cheomseongdae make a spectacular backdrop. The beautiful lighting at night makes it perfect for nighttime sightseeing and the evening performances at Anapji will make for a unique experience.

4.   Gyeongju Cheomseongdae(Cheomseongdae Observatory in Gyeongju)

Opposite Daereungwon along a footpath you can see Cheomseongdae in the shape of a traditional liquor jar.

Not quite 10 meters tall, it used to be the observatory of Silla and its shape is a harmony of straight and curved lines, looking somewhat like a bottle, with stones laid on the top in the shape of a hash symbol. Even though it is quite small, it is amazing that it has been standing for over 1,000 years in the palace grounds. The background of Cheomseongdae is one of agriculture where the movements of the moon, sun and stars dictated the cycle of sowing and reaping. Also, in ancient societies, astrology was deeply connected to the governing of people and the rise and fall of kingdoms.

In fact the south face of Cheomseongdae looks toward the Great Bear constellation, which was used, in conjunction with the relative positions of other constellations, to govern affairs of state. The name of the street around the south face is Bidugil (First Street).

It was built during the reign of Queen Seondeok and is the oldest observatory in Asia, showing the advanced level of science for that time.

5.   Gyeonju Yangdong Folk Village 

Yangdong Village is a Korean folk village designated as Important Folk Material No. 189, located along the Hyeongsan River 20 km northeast of Gyeongju, the city which served as the capital during the millennium-long Silla Kingdom.

Since the early Joseon dynasty, when the village was first inhabited, its two principle clans have been the Wolseong Son clan and the Yeogang Yi family.

With historic old structures representative of the Joseon era, Yangdong Village is a well-preserved place exemplifying folk traditions that have been carried on since the Joseon dynasty. Some of the notable structures include houses of yangban aristocracy, such as Seobaekdang House and Mucheomdang House (the head family dwellings of the Wolseong Son clan and Yeogang Yi family, respectively), as well as Gwan-gajeong House and Hyangdan House. There are also chogajip, traditional homes with rice straw-thatched roofs where servants and tenant farmers used to live, pavilions like Yi Hyangjeong House and Simsujeong Pavilion, and examples of seodang, the private village schools of the Goryeo and Joseon eras, like Ganghakdang

6.   Gyeongju Daereungwon Tumuli Park  

In Daereungwon Tumuli Park Belt are located tombs and

burial places of high personages including kings, queens, and nobility.

Based on its distinct areas, it is divided into the Tumuli in Hwangnam-ri,

Tumuli in Nodong-ri, and Tumuli in Noseo-ri.

When the tombs were excavated, rare and precious artifacts were

discovered, including the Geumgwan Gold Crown, the CheonmadoHeavenly Horse painting, glass drinking vessels, and a varietyof earthenware, displaying the essence of Silla culture as well as the era’sway of life.

7.   Gyeongju Bulguksa Samcheungseoktap (Three storied stone pagoda at Bulguksa Temple)  Calling as Seokgatap Pagoda (National treasure  no. 21)The Seokgatap Pagoda(the Three-story Stone Pagoda) of Bulguksa Temple and Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20) stand to the west and east of the frontal area of the temple’s Daeungjeon Hall, respectively. The Three-story Stone Pagoda is also called Seokgatap (“Sakyamuni Buddha Pagoda”). The two pagodas were built at the same site to reflect the content of the Saddharmapundarika Sutra (The Lotus Sutra) in which the Dabo Buddha (“past Buddha”) stands beside Sakyamuni (“present Buddha”) to prove that his Buddhist sermon is right. The three-story body of this stone pagoda stands on a two-story platform, displaying the traditional style seen in the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at the Gameunsa Temple Site, Gyeongju (National Treasure No. 112) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at the Goseonsa Temple Site, Gyeongju (National Treasure No. 38).

   

8.   Gyeongju Gyerim .

Gyeongju Gyerim is where the birth myth of Kim Al Ji, the first ancestor of the Gyeongju Kim family, who ruled Silla for a thousand years.

King Talhae, in the fourth year of his reign, heard a hen calling and sent one of his subjects to Shirim. At Shrim there was a golden box hanging in a tree and a white hen was crying. In the box was a smart looking boy who grew up to be very intelligent, so King Talhae name him Al Ji and gave him the family name of Kim, because he came from a golden box. Maybe because of this myth, Gyerim, which is located between Cheomseongdae and Wolseong, seems more mysterious. Later King Talhae named Kim Al Ji his heir, but he didn't want to be king. However, seven generations later, King Michu became the first King of Silla from the Kim family. The name of Shirim was changed to Gyerim, after that.

When you walk inside Gyerim there is a very old tree whose trunk is almost gone but the branches remain alive. There is also the tombstone on which is engraved the birth myth of Kim Al Ji, erected by King Sunjom of the Choseon Dynasty. There are many old trees creating a unique forest.