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The Buddhist culture of
the Silla Kingdom and the Confucian culture of the Joseon Dynasty are
well preserved in Gyeongsangbuk-do. Among a wide variety of tourist
attractions, Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Kingdom, and Andong
Hahoe Village are most celebrated. Mt. Juwangsan National Park, the
fine beaches, and the natural springs provide excellent tourist
destinations.
Recommended Sites
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Bulguksa Temple
Address : 15
Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Description :
Bulguksa
Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as
a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple
itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known
throughout the world.
Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty, on the
15th year of King Beop-Heung (reign 514-540). It was called Hwaeom
Bulguksa Temple or Beopryusa Temple back then. In 751, under King
Gyeong-Deok (reign 742∼765), Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) started
rebuilding the temple and finished in 774, under King Hye-Gong
(reign 765∼780). After 17 years of construction, the name 'Bulguksa'
was finally given to the temple. The name 'Bulguksa' was kept
through numerous renovations of the temple from Goryeo Dynasty
(918-1392) to Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). But during Imjinwaeran War
(the war provoked by Japan's invasion, 1592-1598) the wooden
building was burned, 819 years after first being established. From
1604, during Joseon Dynasty (King Seon-Jo’s 37th year) the
reconstruction started again and was renovated approximately 40
times till 1805, to the reign of King Sun-Jo (1790-1834). But the
temple still suffered many robberies and damage afterwards. In 1969,
the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and Mulseoljeon,
Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru and Hoerang, which were merely left
as grounds of the original buildings, were rebuilt in 1973. Other
old or broken sites such as Daewungjeon, Geukrakjeon, Beomyeongru
and Jahamun were repaired. The Bulguksa Temple of today has many
cultural relics preserved within it, such as Dabo-tap (National
Treasure No.20), Sukga-tap (National Treasure No.21) Yeonhwa-gyo*
Chilbo-gyo (National Treasure No.22), Cheongun-gyo*Baekun-gyo
(National Treasure No.23) Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure
(National Treasure No.26), Golden Seated Amita Figure (National
Treasure No.27) and Sari-tap (National Treasure No.61) among others.
Directions :
At Gyeongju
Bus Terminal or Gyeongju Train Station, take the Bulguksa Temple
bound bus (Bus No.11, No.12, No.101 or No.102). Get off at Bulguksa
Temple Bus Stop (35 minutes ride).
Information :
- Information
: Bulguksa Temple Religious Affairs Office Tel: 054-746-9912-3 (Kor)
-Homepage: http://www.bulguksa.or.kr (Kor, Eng, Jap) -Hours :
(Winter Season) 07:00 - 17:00 (Summer Season) 07:00 - 18:00
-Admission Fee
|
Class |
Adults (won) |
Teenagers (won) |
Children (won) |
|
Individuals |
1,000 won |
800 won |
600 won |
|
Groups (30 people or
more) |
1,000 won |
700 won |
500 won |
* Children:
Age 7-12 / Teenagers: Age 13-24 / Adults: age 25 and over
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Goryeong Daegaya Historic site
Address :
Jisan-ri Goryeong-eup Goryeong-gun Gyeongsangbuk-do
Description :
Goryeong is a
town 4 hours away from Seoul, and there are many relic sites of
Daegaya around the whole district of Goryeong-gun. Around the 1st
century, Daegaya was formed in the Nakdonggang River’s downstream
area in the lower Korean peninsula, flourished independently for 520
years (AD42-562), and declined after the 6th century. After its
decline, part of it was annexed by Silla (57 BC - AD 935), and the
rest annexed by Baekjae (18 BC-AD 60), and became a forgotten tribal
kingdom.
On King Jinheung’s (reign 540-576) 23rd year of reign it became the
district of Daegaya, and the name was changed to the district of
Goryeong on King Gyeongdeok’s (reign 742--765) 16th year of reign.
This is the place where you can view the country’s first Sunjangmyo
(tomb where many dead people were buried together), called Jisandong
Gobungun, Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, and Treasure No. 605, the
pre-eminent relics site of the Prehistoric Period called
Yangjeondong Amgakhwa, and other various cultural assets. There is a
large, ancient tomb with a diameter of 20m, built on the ridgeline
of the mountain, and as you go down the mountain, there are 159
other tombs of smaller scale. The largest tomb in the south side is
called the Geumrim Royal Tomb, and the other large tombs near it are
presumed to be tombs of royalty or aristocrats. At the Daegaya Royal
Tomb Exhibit Hall, site of the restored No. 44 tomb, you can see the
ancient custom of burying the living with the dead (Royalty buried
with their retainers). The dome-style exhibit hall displays
Sunjangseokgwak, ironware, pottery and other various excavated
relics.
Directions :
From Goryeong
Bus Stop, 20 minutes walk
Information :
Goryeong-gun
County Office Culture Information Center Tel: 054)950-6060-3 (Kor/Jap)
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Ulleungdo Island
Address :
Ulleungdo, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea
Description :
Ulleungdo is
a pentagon shaped island located 92 km away from Dokdo. The island
is a mountain island made from volcanic eruptions. Its highest peak
is called Seonginbong Peak, and there is a village along the
coastline on the slope. On the north side is a caldera crater which
collapsed to create the Nari Basin and the Albong Basin. Level
ground is difficult to find here and the shores are mostly cliffs.
There are a lot of snow in the winter. About half of the people work
in the fishing industry. Corn, potatoes, wheat and beans were
cultivated here, but nowadays mountain plants and medicinal herbs
are mostly grown instead. There are dongbaek trees and some 650
other plants and trees thriving on the island. The neighboring
waters is the junction line between two cold & warm ocean currents,
where many squids, saury and pollacks are caught. The Ulleungdo
squid is especially famous for their outstanding quality. It has
been said that there are no thieves, pollution or snakes on
Ulleungdo Island. On the other hand, there are many aromatic trees,
wind, beautiful women, water and rocks. This is why it is called the
island of The Three Mu (The Chinese character meaning ' have
nothing') and Five Da(The Chinese character meaning 'have many of').
You can enjoy the scenery by taking a cruise around Ulleungdo, Jukdo,
Gwaneumdo Islands, and a natural tunnel. Elephant Rock, Samseonan,
and Lion Rock are some of the other tourist attractions praised by
tourists.
Directions :
Take a ferry
from Pohang to Ulleungdo Island. Because the ferry schedule vary
from season to season, please check beforehand.
Sunflower Ferry (Daeah Express Shipping Company) has regular rides
between Pohang and Ulleungdo Island. (Check ferry schedules prior to
the trip. The schedules often change due to weather conditions).
Information :
Daeah Express
Ferry - Seoul :
(02)514-6226,6766 (Kor)
Sokcho Cruiser Terminal Harbor :
(033) 636-2811-2 (Kor)
Pohang Harbor : (055) 42-5111-2 (Kor)
- Schedule: Pohang - Ulleungdo Daeah Express Car & Ferry/ 12:00
(noon) - 7 hours 30 minutes ferry ride.
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Cheongnyangsa Temple
Address : 247
Bukgok-ri, Myeongho-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Description :
It is quite
difficult to get to Cheongnyangsa Temple, probably not worth the
effort if it’s just to see a rather ordinary temple building. But it
is a place where you can feel the presence of Buddha: the beautiful
scenery of Mt. Cheongnyangsan from the temple simply cannot be
described in words.
Cheongnyangsa Temple is located at the foot of Yeonhwabong Peak,
which is in Mt. Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park. The temple was
established by the Great Buddhist Monk Won-Hyo, on King Munmu’s
(661-681) 3rd year of reign, during the Silla (57BC-AD935) Period.
Cheongnyangsa Temple is currently a very small temple, but it is
believed to have been a very large temple once. Because of political
measures of the Joseon Period (1392-1910) to abolish all temples in
the country, only the Cheongnyangsa Yuribojeon (regional cultural
asset No. 47) and Eungjinjeon are left. There is a calligraphy
tablet preserved in the sanctuary, which was written by King Gongmin
(reign 1351-1374) during the Goryeo Period.
Directions :
From Bonghwa
take the Mt. Cheongnyangsan bound bus (30-40 minutes travel time)
Information :
Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park Control Office 054-672-4994 (Kor,
Eng) - Admission Fee: Because the Park is within Cheongnyangsan
Provincial Park, visitors must pay admission fee. Adults age 19+ :
￦800 (groups of over 30 : ￦600) Youths age 13-18 : ￦600 (groups of
over 30 : ￦400) Children age 7-12 : ￦300 (groups of over 30 : ￦200)
※ Children- Age 7-12 / Teenagers- Age13-18 /Adults - Ages over 19
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Buseoksa Temple
Address :
Bukji-ri Buseok-myeon Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Description :
Buseoksa
Temple is a “masculine” temple. It differentiates itself from other
temples by its huge size and the scenery are refreshing and
beautiful as well. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu
(661-681) ruled the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. - A.D. 935), by the
founder Uisang (625-702) after he received orders from the King.
Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) was in
the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk
Wonyung (964-1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure
No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards. The legend of
lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang
went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo
he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and
drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang
to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd
that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo
brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated
stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone
had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.
At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between
Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents
redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will
find Buseoksa Temple’s Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun
and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beonjongru.
When you pass Bumjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which
means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will
reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which
boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.
Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty.
Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated
Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as
the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting
(National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure
No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.
Directions :
At Yeongju
Bus Terminal, take the Huibangsa bound bus.
Information :
Buseoksa
Religious Affairs Office Tel: 054-633-3464 (Kor) -Hours: (Winter )
7am- 6pm (Summer) 6am- 7pm -Homepage: http://bss.buddhism.org (Kor)
-Admission Fee: Adults (won) Teenagers (won) Children (won)
Individuals 1,200 1,000 800 Group(30 people or more) 1,000 800 500 ※
Children- Age 7-12 / Teenagers- Age13-18 /Adults - Ages over 19
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Mt. Cheongnyangsan
Provincial Park
Address : 247
Bokgok-ri, Myeongho-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Description :
Mt.
Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park is the place, from ancient times,
where many famous high priests and writers have resided. At Mt.
Cheongnyangsan, the Giam cliff forms 12 peaks and the Nakdonggang
River flows through it. On this mountain stands the Cheongnyangsa
Temple, which was built by Wonhyo Daesa (617 - 686.3.30) during King
Munmu’s (reign 661-681) 3rd year of reign during the Silla Period
(BC57-AD935). There are also various temples, Gwanchang Pokpo Falls,
and many other sites to see. Behind the Provincial Park’s boulder is
a monument with a poem inscribed on it by the famous scholar Toegye
I Hwang (1501-1570) of the Joseon Period called Cheongnyangsanga.
When Toegye was planning to build Dosanseodang, a school for the
teachings of Confucianism, he had a tough time deciding on whether
to build it there at Mt. Cheongnyangsan, or the alternate spot,
where it was eventually built, on a decision made at the last
minute. Aside from Toegye I Hwang, Won-Hyo and Ui-Sang (625 - 702),
the Buddhist monks, Gim-Saeng (711 - 791), a master of calligraphy,
Chi-Won Choi (857 - ?), a scholar, and many others came to this
mountain to cultivate their arts. Their presence still lingers in
legends, being told to this day. Osandang is believed to have been
built by the disciples of Toegye at the spot where Toegye conferred
with literary men, and is one of many relics found here, among them
the Mt. Cheongnyangsan Castle, which is believed to have been built
by King Gongmin (reign 1351-1374) of Goryeo Period, to escape the
rebellions of the peasantry.
Directions :
From Bonghwa,
take the Mt. Cheongnyangsan bound bus. (30-40 minutes travel time)
Information :
Mt.
Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park Control Office Tel: 054-672-4994 (Kor,
Eng) -Admission Fee: Adults(won) Teenagers(won) Children(won)
Individuals 800 600 300 Group(30 people or more) 600 400 200 ※
Children- Age 7-12 / Teenagers- Age13-18 /Adults - Ages over 19
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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
