Gyeongju is one of the most Popular Coastal City Situated in South Eastern Part of Korea.
The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a number of Sites and Monuments of Exceptional Significance in the Development of Buddhist and Secular Architecture in Korea.
Anapji Pond in Gyeongju
King Munmu built Anapji Pond in 674 A.D. as a pleasure garden. He designed the pond so that one cannot view the entire pond at once. Only a small portion of the original palace remains. In 1975 when the pond was drained for repairs, workers found a wealth of treasures that had been underwater. The relics have been restored and many are on display at the National Museum, a short walk away.
Bulguksa Temple near Gyeongju
Originally built in 528, Bulguksa Temple provides an excellent example of architecture from the Shilla Dynasty. Literally meaning Buddha Land, Bulguk-sa is set among the foothills of Toham Mountain, offering gorgeous views of fertile plains and the mythical mountain Namsan. The elevated compound is reached by climbing thirty-three stone stairs adorned with elaborate railings. Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995, the temple compound houses a number of national treasures. It also contains a gift shop with many books in English and Japanese. Hours are: 7:00-18:30.
Bunhwang Temple in Gyeongju
This 3-story stone pagoda was built in 634 during the reign of Queen Seondok. Considering the total number of brick-shaped stones that have been recovered, scholars believe this pagoda must have originally been a seven or nine-story pagoda. Stone lions guard the pagoda which contained various beads, scissors, gold, silver needles, and a silver bowl with a lid.
Golgul Temple in Gyeongju
Golgul-sa (Rock Cave Temple) is a Buddhist compound built around the 6th century. The compound has twelve caves and remains Korea's only cave temple. A large Buddha and a series of narrow paths and tunnels are carved into the mountain, connecting the various caves and grottos. Although the paths have railings, people who suffer from vertigo or fear heights should not attempt to go to some areas.
In addition to the monks who live here, a large colony of chipmunks have also taken up residence. The temple is also famous for training in Sonmudo, a Zen martial art.
Gyeongju National Museum
Gyeongju National Museum is a short walk from Anapji Pond and houses over 80,000 relics from the Shilla Dynasty period. At any time 2,500 of them are on display. Spaced around the museum grounds are various relics recovered from excavations around the country. Pieces of statues, temple ornaments, bridges, stupas, and other monuments line the walkways. The trees along the walkways burst with cherry blossoms in the Spring and drop multicoloured leaves in the Fall.
Tumuli Park in Gyeongju
This park (known as Daeneungwon in Korean) has more than 20 large and small tombs from the Shilla period. The tombs are presumed to be those of kings and court officials. The dimensions of the tombs range in heights from less than 1 meter to 23 meters. Most of them are grass-covered earthen mounds, creating a spectacular scene which resembles a small mountain range. In spring and summer, the grass is vibrant green, and then turns golden in the fall and winter.
One notable tomb within Tumili Park is Cheonmachong tomb meaning "Heavenly Horse Tomb". Contrary to the impression the name gives, the tomb did not contain a horse. The name comes from a painting of a heavenly horse that was found during the tomb's excavation. This burial mound is 12.7 meters high and 47 meters in diameter. It is the only tomb which you can enter and appreciate the painting on the wall. Some of the artefacts found during the excavation are displayed here, although most are replicas of the original pieces that are on display at the Gyeongju National Museum
Underwater Tomb of King Munmu in Gyeongju
The Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.) is located off Bonggil Beach on a tiny rocky islet in East Sea. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect the Shilla Kingdom. The rocky island, about 200 meters in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the centre. At the bottom of the pool is a granite rock under which the cremated remains of King Munmu are supposedly buried. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in the autumn. The bus from Gyeongju city takes about 50 minutes. It is one of the only free attractions of Gyeongju and is open all year, 24 hours
This Blog has been Written for Korea Tourism Organisation.
