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Quick Finder
Donggung palace and Wolji pond / Andong / Andong Mask Dance Festival /Baeri Triad Buddha / Byeolsin-gut / Byeongsan Seowon / Banwolseong / Bulgok Buddha / Bulguksa / Bunhwangsa / Chajeonnori / Cheomseongdae /Cheongdo/ Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok / Chilgok
Daegu / Dinosaur Footprints / Dosanseowon Confucian School / Geumgwanchong / Goryeong / Gulbulsa Site / Gunwi / Gwaereung / Gyeongju / Gyeongju National Museum / Gyerim
Hahoe village / Hanji Workshop / Hwangyongsa Site / Namsan / Oksan Seowon / Oreung / Poseok Bower / Rock Carvings
Seobongchong / Seokguram Grotto / Seonyujulbulnori / Sosuseowon Confucian School / Tapgok / Tomb of Kim Yusin / Tomb of King Muyeol / Tumuli Park / Ulleungdo / Uljin / Ulsan / Upo Wetland / Yangdong Village / Yeongju
Central Eastern Region
Korea's south eastern region of Korea is the home to numerous relics of the Gaya and Silla culture (BC57-AD935). Two hundred years before Charlemagne, while the Roman Empire was falling apart, King Beopheung of the Silla accepted Buddhism (AD 527). As the Ostrogoths, Visigoths, and the Vandals roamed through Europe and North Africa, and Cerdic of Wessex defeated the Britons, while the Byzantine Empire was building St. Sophia Basilica and the Hagia Sophia, he built Bulguksa in the mountains near his capital in present day Gyeongju. Gyeongsang Buk-do is the heartland of Korean traditional culture. Gyeongju, Andong, Daegu and Uljin are among the area's leading cities. The Buddhist culture of the Siilla dynasty and the patrician Confucian culture are well preserved. The area is also rich in such natural attractions as scenic mountains, deep hidden valleys and caves. Gyeongsang Nam-do is also dotted with many temples and popular tourist destinations including coastal landscapes. Haeinsa, Tongdosa and Beomeosa are just some of the temples in the region. Major cities are Busan, Jinju, Jinhae, Changwon and Masan.
Andong
Andong is a city of great tradition, the heart of Confucian culture in Korea and provincial administrative center. Andong has been blessed with abundant cultural assets without an inclination to any single time period. Being a home of Korean Confucian culture, Andong and its surroundings are still very conservative and traditional, and they are a stronghold of Confucianism, which has deeply influenced all aspects of their lives. In addition, there are well over 30 schools, 20 temples, and more than 100 shrines in and around the city. The Andong Mask Dance Festival is the landmark occasion of the year in Andong. After the autumn harvest, for 10 days, the city comes alive to the sounds of drums to hundreds of thousands of visitors for food, games, crafts and many exciting dance troupes from the world. The people here are very proud of its strong heritage, and means to keep alive the best of their customs and culture. Andong folk museum offers in-depth information of traditional life and illustrates traditional Confucian culture, a variety of legacies relating mainly to four cardinal ceremonies, coming of an age, wedding, funeral, ancestral memorial service. The exhibition highlights dozens of pieces of pottery, utensils, clothing, farming tools and traditional folk games in small models. Andong's local specialties include salted mackerel, liquor, Pungsan Kimchi, hot paper, Sanyak (medical herb) and apple. Special products include Mask, Hanji paper and hemp cloth.
Hanji Workshop
Hanji is a Korean traditional paper that is made from mulberry fiber and is extremely durable, lasting for more than a thousand years. Jikjisimcheyojeol (Anthology Teachings of Zen Buddhist Priests) is the oldest book that was printed on Hanji in 1377 and still survives today. Of many Andong's specialties, Hanji paper workshop is worth a visit. On the halfway to Hahoe village from Andong, there is a traditional workshop where you can get a glimpse into the world of hand-made paper manufacturing - A painstaking process which has not changed much from ancient times. Start with bark from the mulberry tree, then separate the bark from the fibers that would eventually be transformed into paper. After straining the pulp, adding some glue, drying the paper, and cutting or coloring according to need, they get a quality paper that is unique to Andong. The show room displays a variety of paper artworks including clothes - expertly cut, folded, molded, possibly worn, and definitely took some time to finish. Thanks to the durability of the paper, Korea was able to register seven of its cultural assets as a UNESCO Memory of the World. Nowadays, it has become a preferred material for craftwork due to its unique texture.
Andong Mask Dance Festival
The most famous festival in Andong which is held every year starting the last week of September and running for 10 days to promote harmony and solidarity among the inhabitants. It includes fifteen folk performances and games such as Chajeonnori, Nottdari Balggi, Jeojeon farmers' ballade, Korean doll performance, Hahoe Seonyujulbulnori, and Byeolsin-gut. The festival, featuring a variety of performances such as music and dance, is also held at this time. All in all, the Andong folk festival serves as an opportunity for Andong, the heart of Korean culture and tradition, to further develop itself as the world-class cultural city.
Hahoe village
About 25km west of Andong is famous traditional village, Hahoe. As is set on the knob of land that causes the river to form a S-shape loop meaning Hahoe, the village is named as such. The Nakdong River flows around this village in a S shape with a wide flat silted river valley on both sides. Overhead rears the strange rock cliffs. The village itself contains various typical Korean houses preserved since the early Joseon dynasty, which makes it one of the best traditional villages for the firsthand experience of old tradition. The village, established by the Pungsan Ryu clan in the 15th century, was the home of noblemen. Some 460 Korean traditional houses, both large and small, are well preserved because of its location and of its cultural value. The village is more popular with mask carving and its mask play so called Byeolshin-gut, the shamanistic ritual dated from the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). Today, about 300 residents are living here in traditional houses. Standing at the entrance of Hahoe village, the Mask museum exhibits 250 Korean masks and 250 foreign masks allowing the visitors to compare the different types of the world. Queen Elizabeth II came to visit this village on April 21, 1999.
Byeolsin-gut
This dance, dating back to the Goryo period, satirizes the lifestyles of the local elites and religious figures, and gives a humorous and vivid glimpse into rural lifestyles. It is one of the Korea's oldest mask dance which has been performed for centuries as a village ritual. Until 1928, the shaman ritual had been performed at three, five or ten years' interval depending on revelations of the local goddess or on local circumstances. The performance begins on lunar New Year's Day and continued at various places around the village until mid-month.
The village sacrificial rite was observed at Seonangdang, the village shaman shrine, early on the morning of January 15th. The drama combines shaman rituals and popular entertainment. The village ritual was intended to please the local goddess and exorcise evil spirits. The villagers prayed for good harvest, peace and prosperity, and also enjoyed themselves with performing the play.
The whole village took part in the event and enjoyed the satirical story revealed in the drama. It features various allegorical characters such as an arrogant aristocrat, a pedantic scholar, a depraved Buddhist monk, a foolish servant, a coarse butcher and so on. Each of this represents different social class. Conflicts among different classes and individuals were satirized to relieve social tensions among the families and village. The dance is accompanied by farmer's percussion ensemble. Most mask dances use paper masks, which are burned after the performance, but in Hahoe the masks are used over and over again, and handed down through the generations. Byeolsin-gut mask dance drama is designated as Important Cultural Property No. 69 to ensure its preservation in 1980.
Chajeonnori
It is a traditional Korean game usually played by men, originating in the Andong region in the 10th century. It resembles a jousting match, with the two commanders are atop large log frames maneuvered by their teams. These trapezoidal log frames are composed of two 10-meter-long logs tied together with straw rope, and local men divide into teams that attack each other in an attempt to unseat the opposing captain.
Seonyujulbulnori
At Buyong cliff overlooking the Hahoe village across the Nakdong river a spectacular fire show is performed with blazing pine needle gently falling down to the river in a rain of fire. It is an absolutely unique event that involves floating lanterns, slow-burning flares strung across the river, and bonfires being tossed over a cliff into the river as performers sing and recite classical poems. Performed on Saturday nights during the Andong Mask Dance Festival, this is one of the most mesmerizing and memorable events offered by any festival in Korea.
Dosanseowon Confucian School
Dosan Seowon is located about 30km north of Andong, bordered by Andong lake in its front and dense pine forests to the rear creating lyric scenery.
Yi Hwang (1501-1570), a Confucian scholar, built Dosan Seodang to educate the disciplines and study himself after he left the officialdom in 1549. In 1574, Dosan Seowon was built in memory of Confucian scholar Yi Hwang by some of his disciples and Confucian authorities. Later, it became the center of the Confucianism in the region when it was granted the status of court-sponsored shrine-academy in 1575.
The academy is composed of 16 buildings most of which were built in a simple and concise style. Some of the notable buildings are Dosan Seodang, Gwangmyeongsil holding 5,000 volumes of books including selected books of Yi Hwang, Nongunjeonsa, Jangpangak and a shrine.
The Seowon serves two purposes; education and commemoration. Although the educational function of the facility has long since ceased, the commemorative ceremonies have been and are still held twice a year.
Byeongsan Seowon
About 6km away from the Hahoe village, standing opposite a rock cliff encircled by the Nakdong River, is Byeongsan Seowon. It is also a Confucian school built by Ryu Seongryong to train the disciples. In 1614, Confucians erected a memorial tablet for him to commemorate his scholastic achievements and knowledge, thereby making this a famous academy. Byeongsan Seowon houses over 1,000 documents and 3,000 books. The Seowon boasts its beautiful scenery and excellent architecture.
Yeongju
Yeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, is blessed with the natural beauty of Mt. Sobaek and its numerous valleys. But Yeongju is better known as a region holding a lot of relics from Confucian traditions represented by the Sosuseowon (Confucian School) and "seonbichon'' or a scholars' village. The city was home to scholars called "seonbi'' during the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). The village gives an idea about the everyday lives of the scholars, from both a physical and spiritual perspective, and their connection to Confucianism. It is also a great attraction to learn and experience their philosophy, mental and ethical values of olden times.
Sosuseowon Confucian School
It is the first private institute established in Korea, and was a birthplace of Confucian education and a cradle of prominent scholars. About 4,000 scholars, including the pupils of Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang, studied at the institute.
As the first Confucian school financially supported by the king, it was established by Ju Se-bung in 1543 and named Baekundong Seowon.
The compound itself is composed of two sections; academic studies and research, and memorial service. There are several old buildings where scholars learned and studied loyalty, filial piety, manners and knowledge.
Surrounded by a tranquil and natural environment, the school has various traditional halls in which students resided for their studies.
Ganghakdang, the study place, features unique architectural styles such as a four-sided wooden verandah and entasis columns.
The institute has a Shrine, which was built to enshrine An Yang, An Bo, An Chuk and Je Se-bung, where a memorial service takes place twice a year on the first day of the third and ninth months by the lunar calendar. There were hundreds of Seowon by the early 1800s, but most Seowon were closed by an edict of the regent Daewongun in the turbulent final years of the 19th century. Daewongun was driven from power in 1873; however, the Seowon remained closed. Visitors can see the moral values and ethics based on Confucianism, which is manifested even through the construction arrangements.
Gunwi
Gunwi is known as the town of loyalty, filial piety, history and culture. It is also a home of the Buddhism, and the Confucianism culture. There is a small temple that is said to have been originally built in 493 by Ado, who was credited with having brought Buddhism into Silla. Visitors humble themselves by putting their hand together in front of a 1,72m-tall Virocana Buddha. Nearby is an unusual natural grotto eaten into the face of a rocky cliff inside which a 2.18m-tall majestic Amitabha Buddha (Buddha of Infinite Life) carved in granite assisted by two Bodhisattvas that is said to have been carved in AD 700. The cave measures 4.25m high and 4.3m wide. This small chamber is round and the ceiling is domed. These statues are of historic significance for their artistic style.
The Buddha image is similar to that of Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju but less refined. Many say that this temple served as an inspiration for and precursor to the more famous and magnificent Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju. About 2km away from the grotto is a traditional village called Hanbammaeul or Daeyul-ri, in which many hundred years old houses retaining much of their perfection intact and still fully functioning. Screened three sides by high mountains, the village is popular for its winding stone-walled alleys leading up to each house. Gunwi is also popular with Beopjusa temple with its millstone, graceful architectures and pagodas. Other cultural asset includes Yangsan Seowon, a Confucian school, housing the wood printing blocks of Hwichanyeosa which describes the origin of Korea and relics of loyal retainers and patriots.
Chilgok
St Maurus and St Placidus Abbey, is a Benedictine monastery of the Congregation of Missionary Benedictines of Saint Ottilien. The abbey was built in 1909 when five monks from the Ottilien Abbey in Germany came to Korea. The monastery is currently home to 131 monks.
Benedictines are the oldest Religious Order of the Catholic Church. They are commonly known by their motto “ora et labora,” meaning “pray and work.” Their life is based on the Rule of St. Benedict, written about the year 530 AD.
At the entrance to the monastery is an old redbrick church which is hardly used these days and the doors are usually locked. This church actually predates the monastery as it was built in 1928, whereas the Order of St. Benedict didn’t settle in Chilgok until 1952. The church is sometimes used as a lecture hall but not for mass though.
Drive south from Saint Benedict’s along the banks of the Nakdong River and you will come to the Chilgok Gasil Catholic Church. Visitors must sign up in advance to have a guided tour of the church.
The original church was actually housed in a Hanok, and the church itself was built between 1922 and 1923. A huge 200-year-old tree now stands near where the Hanok used to be, in an open spot in front of the church.
This church is unique in that there’s the statue of Ana (the mother of the Virgin Mary) and the Virgin Mary, which was brought over from France in 1924. It’s the only one of its kind in Korea. The long panel of stained-glass windows that narrate stories from the New Testament were manufactured at the workshop of St. Benedict’s Abbey.
Mass is still held at the church and next door is a redbrick building that used to be the living quarters for the priests. Today one of the rooms is turned into a museum displaying tools in its early years, a barrel that was used for crushing grapes for wine, an old film projector, and a 100-year-old Bible.
Catholicism first came to Korea in 1784, the first person to become a Catholic was Lee Seung-hoon, a young Korean who had converted in China. The persecution of Catholics, particularly the “Great Persecution of 1866,” a government campaign to wipe out the faith, meant many believers were forced to flee. Chilgok County offered some refuge, and since then the Catholic faith has imparted a significant influence over the area.
Hanti on the eastern shore of the Nakdong River was where Catholics settled to escape religious persecution during the final throes of the Joseon Dynasty. Despite their best efforts to protect themselves, many still suffered during the bloody suppression. It was named Hanti Holy Ground after the numerous Catholics who were martyred here in 1860.
Hanti is now one of the most famous Catholic retreats in Korea. There’s a museum built in the style of the living quarters used by Catholics from the Joseon period. The houses look like traditional lower-class housing with clay walls and thatched roofs. Hidden among the trees is a small white statue of the Virgin Mary.
Yet there was a time in 1950, when Chilgok was the scene of the the Dabu-dong Battle, The battle is remembered to be one of the bloodiest confrontations of the Korean War, lasting 55 days and leaving 27,500 people dead, records of which? can be found in the Dabu-dong War Memorial Hall.
Uljin
Uljin's most famous tourist attraction is a lime cave, Seongyugul that stretches over 472m. A seemingly endless line of stalactites and stalagmites stand inside the cave, which is comprised of 12 small caverns and 5 small ponds. Another attraction is Buryeongsa. Hidden inside the scenic Buryeong valley at the upper part of the park is Bulyeongsa, the "Buddha Shadow Temple, built in the year 651 with its name Guryongsa, or "Nine Dragons Temple". The temple casts a shadow on the lake below which resembles the shape of the Buddha hence its new name. Uljin, along with Yeongdeok, is a crab lover's paradise. Uljin is famous for the tasty oversized crustaceans - a godsend for gluttons all over. Although you can go anytime between this month and March, the perfect time to go will be from Feb. 26-28 when the county hosts their annual Uljin Crab International Festival at the port of Hupo. There, you can check out everything from how the crabs are brought into the port to the sight of thousands of them laid out on the ground with their legs sprawled out. It is quite the amusing sight.
There are eight public beaches, the Nagok, Hujeong, Bongpyeong, Mangyang, Deoksin, Giseongmangyang, Gusan and Hupo.
Gyoengju
We assume that the history of Gyeongju started from the Neolithic Age. Some fragments of teeth of comb-pattern pottery were found Hwangsoeng-dong in Gyeongju. As Bronze Age began in the tenth century BC, a plain coarse pottery appeared and a polished stone artifact became quite sophisticated and varied. They were mostly discovered in Gyeongju. Around the first century BC, Iron Age appeared and wooden coffin tombs were constructed, which are found in Gyeongju at Ipsil-ri, Jukdong-ri and Angye-ri. Once the splendid capital of the Silla dynasty (BC57-AD935) Gyeongju, although now only provincial town still holds the remnants of its glorified past. Known as being the richest repository of ancient history and arts in Korea, Gyeongju simply cannot be missed on your itinerary. The visitor is truly overwhelmed by many remains of ancient Silla temples, royal tombs together with one of the earliest observatories in the world. It is therefore, no surprise, that many call Gyeongju “the museum without walls”, The area was further enhanced by being designated a UNESCO site and placed within the world's top ten most historical cities. The 8th century Seokguram grotto has been described as the “epitome of the Buddhist sculpture” and is regarded as one of the very best masterpieces of Buddhist art. The Bulguksa temple was the home of many Buddhist monks and architects who poured their thoughts and ingenious spirits into it in the hope of embodying the bliss of Buddha. The temples were added to UNESCO's world heritage list in 1995.
Seokguram Grotto
Tucked away on the eastern slope of Mt. Tohamsan is Seokguram Buddhist Grotto. The temple construction began in 751 by Kim Daeseong and was completed in 774. Seokguram consists of an antechamber which holds reliefs of eight guardian deities and two Vajrapanis; a short corridor carved with four heavenly kings; and the main rotunda which enshrines in its center the seated main Buddha, Shakyamuni Tathagata (the Incarnation of Truth). Along the lower part of the circular wall are reliefs of an 11-faced Avalokitesvara, ten disciples, Manjusri, Sakradevanam Indra, Mahabrahmandah, and Samantabhadra. Above these at about eye-level are ten niches, each enshrining a bodhisattva. The main focus of this 9m high domed rotunda, which was built to represent the Buddhist world,
is a gorgeous 3.48 meter high Buddha image. Made in pinkish white granite the sculpture seems to glow in the low lit room. The Buddha is sitting in a meditative pose on a lotus pedestal. During the Joseon dynasty when Buddhism was persecuted, this national masterpiece was forgotten. Then, one cloudy day in 1909, a lone postman suddenly had to take a shelter from a thunderstorm. He dashed to the dim light, and saw the magnificent statue. After its rediscovery, the Seokguram grotto was opened to the public, and become a well- known attraction. A traditional-style building erected over the cave's entrance creates a darkened area from which to view the serene and graceful lines of the big Buddha statue inside. Thus, even though one has to look through protective glass, there are none of the reflections that formerly impaired viewing. Inside the cave, the statue is well lit, giving a fine view of the remarkable and delicate stone carving that is dated to 751. The grotto is added in the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
Bulguksa temple
The temple sits mid-slope on Mt. Tohamsan. It was 528 when King Beopheung began to build Bulguksa. Later, it was enlarged and completed in 774 by Kim Daeseong. Bulguksa is one of the best known and oldest temples in Korea.
The name means ‘Buddha Land' and it is located on the outskirts of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Unified Silla Kingdom. The temple was first built in 535 during the reign of King Beopheung (reign: 514-540), the first Silla king to accept Buddhism. In 751, the temple was expanded during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (reign: 752-765) by minister Kim Daeseong in honor of his parents. He also built the Seokguram grotto in memory of the poor parents of his previous life. The Bulguksa temple epitomizes the spirit of Silla, bearing witness to the architectural achievements of the period and showing highly refined aesthetic beauty. Two mortarless stone pagodas stand complementing each other in the courtyard of the temple. Seokgatap Pagoda (8.2m high) is representative of the trend during the Unified Silla period when pagodas were simplified to consist of three stories. The simplicity of this pagoda is enhanced by the complexity of its twin Dabotap Pagoda (10.4m high). Seokgatap and Dabotap are the most eye-catching of these architectural masterpieces. Dedicated to the Shakyamuni Buddha and the Prabhutaratna (the Buddha of Abundant Treasures), these two pagodas represent these Buddhas as residing in the temple, well exemplifying the Silla people's desire to embody Buddhist ideals in the mundane world. Legend tells that they were both created by a mason called Asadal who left his young wife Asanyeo, promising to return as soon as the pagodas were completed. After years of waiting, Asanyeo journeyed to Gyeongju but was prohibited from visiting the pagodas. She was told to wait near a pond and that she would know when the pagodas were completed as they would reflect in the pond. Eventually, out of desperation, she threw herself into the pond. Thus, Seokgatap Pagoda is sometimes called the ‘Pagoda without Reflection'. The pure light sutra, the oldest wood print measuring 6.2m long and 6.7cm wide, was found in Seokgatap pagoda in 1966. Unlike partial restorations that were carried out in 1024 and 1038, and more recently in 1966, it is the first full disassembly since the construction of the 8.2m pagoda in 742. The restoration is a five year project and the perfectly restored Seokgatap reveals it’s original beauty once again from May, 2016. The Bulguksa temple is particularly famous for its graceful staircases, actually bridges. They are the oldest stone bridges in Korea and are called bridges because they lead from the secular world to the Land of the Buddha. The one to the east is called Blue and White Cloud Bridge. The second bridge stairway, to the west, is called the Lotus Flower and the Seven Gems. There are two 9th century gold leaf statues, one of Amitabha, the Buddha of Light and the other of Virocana, the Buddha of Cosmic Power. They are considered to be the oldest and largest sitting gold statue in Korea. The Amitabha statue is in the Paradise Hall which is connected the Virocana Hall by a covered corridor. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage.
Cheomseongdae
Built in the early 7th century, it is known to be the world's oldest existing observatory in the Far East. It is comprised of three parts: a stylobate, a cylindrical body resembling a bottle, and a top. From each of the four corners on the top, the ends of two interlocking stones protrude. The structure measures a height of 9.17m with diameter of 2.85m in the upper part and of 4.93m in the lower part standing on 5.35m x 5.35m stylobate. The cylindrical body consists of 27 layers of stones. A square hole in the middle three (13th to 15th) tiers is positioned to face slightly east of south. In contrast to the skilfully trimmed exterior, the inside wall is not elaborately carved, with the rear parts of stones sticking out. Below the hole the interior is entirely filled with rubble, while the upper part is empty. There are also protruding ends on the 19th to 20th and 25th to 26th tiers, making it possible to set up a ladder in and out of the building for observation. It was scientifically constructed, and each stone used in the observatory bears symbolic meaning. The total number of stones used for tower are 362 pieces of cut granites, represent the 362 days of the lunar year. The 27 tiers of stones symbolize the number of the major stars. 12 tiers up to the window are the months of the year and another 12 tiers from the window to the top, which are total 24 tiers are the numbers of the seasonal divisions. The rectangular stones on the top are calibrated to the standard of Silla's meridian, and each corner of the stones points to one of the four directions. With these two tiers combined makes 30, the days of the month.
Tumuli Park
There are 456 royal tombs in central Gyeongju and the outskirts of the city. The park encompasses 23 huge tomb mounds where Silla rulers were buried, the most famous being Cheonmachong and Hwangnamdaechong. This is the largest cluster of ancient tombs around Gyeongju, although there are several smaller clusters as well. Of the 23 tombs, the Heavenly Horse Tomb or Cheonmachong, excavated in 1973, is very unique. It has a mound with 50m in diameter, while its height is 12.7m. A total of 11,500 artifacts were unearthed from the mound. Out of ornaments, weapon and equestrian equipment, the most significant archeological find was a painting of a galloping or flying horse, which was used as a saddle guard and covered the abdominal area of a horse on both sides. It was painted on the layers of birch bark stitched together with several pieces. The painting was the first and the only Silla painting ever to be discovered. It was also this discovery that gave this tomb the name. The crown was found in this tomb and is believed to be the crown of King Soji or King Jijeung. The crown is 32.5 centimeters in height. There are three prongs forming the shape 出 on the front of the crown. There are also two prongs in the shape of a deer antler on the back. This crown also has two dangling chains of gold in the shape of leaves hanging from the end of the headband. Notably, the tree-like prongs of this crown have four branches instead of the more common used three branch motif. Numerous Silla Kingdom funerary objects were found inside. The tomb is open to the public and you can go inside and see how tombs were constructed and the replicas of the treasures excavated here.
Hwangnamdaechong tomb is the largest among all Silla double burial sites ranging up to 23m high and 120m across. It is a double tomb, with the two burials attached along a north-south axis. A total of 58,441 pieces, including a gold crown, were excavated from the tomb. The height of the crown is 27.5 centimeters and the gold chains and pendants that dangle from the crown are 13 to 30.3 centimeters in length. The crown is known for its abundant use of jade. The pendants are grouped into two groups of three and are arranged with the longest chains on the outer edge to the smallest chains closest to the front of the crown. The pendants also hold blue jade and golden leaves on the end of the chains. The crown has three tree-like prongs with three branches each and also has two antler-like prongs on the left and right side of the main band. Decorations of a deer antler are attached to the ends of the crown. 77 pieces of jade were adorned on the crown. Sixteen pieces of comma-shaped blue jade were attached to the three tree-like prongs, nine pieces of jade on the deer antler, and eleven pieces on the head girdle.
Seobongchong
The Seobongchong is believed to build in the fourth to fifth centuries. On October 10, 1926 Gustaf Adolf, the crown prince of Sweden and his princess Louise paid a visit to Korea and unearthed a golden crown, measuring 24.7Cm in height, 18.4Cm in diameter, and 30.7Cm long ornaments hanging from the headband. There are five branches standing on the broad crown frame which is stamped with a wave pattern and stamped in a form of a dotted line. The headband is decorated with leaf-shapes and bent jade. The tips of the branches are decorated with a budding flower ornament. At the both sides of the crown frame, styled-earrings are dangling from the headband. To commemorate this historic discovery, a small memorial was erected here by Korea-Sweden Association on May 1, 1971. Nearby grows zelkova tree planted by his majesty, the king of Sweden on his second visit in 1994.
Geumgwanchong
It is not known exactly to whom this tomb belongs. Believed to date from the fifth or sixth century, the tomb structure has 12m in height with 45m in diameter. Excavated in 1921, the tomb was the first to bear one of the sumptuous gold crowns of the Silla royalty, measuring 44Cm high 19Cm in diameter. It is the largest golden crown from Silla discovered thus far. The gold crown is also notable for its intricate open metal-work inner cap which suggests a symbolism with bird wings and shamanistic practices. There are two parts to this crown. The outer band was discovered within the tomb while the inner cap was found outside of the tomb. The outer band consists of three tree-like branches which have three branches each. The shape of 出 is appeared to three times on the head band. Additionally, the outer head band also has two antler-like protrusions on the left and right side. All of the protrusions have jade and glass beads and tiny golden mirrors that dangle from the branches. On the sides of the head band also are two chains of gold with leaf-like decorations that end with jade jewels. These two chains hang below the head band. The inner crown is a triangle-shaped hat made of thin sheet gold and has two wing-like decorations on it. The wings are believed to relate to Korean shamanistic beliefs. Over 40,000 artifacts were recovered from the tomb, including "gold, silver, and bronze vessels, gold and silver weapons, gilt-bronze plate armor, stoneware vessels, horse fittings, and half of which mainly blue Indo-Pacific beads. A golden girdle found in the tomb is another important symbol of royalty and is only found in royal tombs. The girdle is about two meters in length, is made up of 39 plaques, and has various charms dangling from the main belt. A bronze tripod pouring vessel is possibly a Chinese import.
Gyeongju National Museum
The museum consists of 4 exhibition buildings of Anpaji, Archaelogy, Art, Special Exhibition and outdoor exhibition. Donggung palace and Wolji hall displays 700 artifacts unearthed from the pond including ancient boat. Inside the archaeology building the displays begin first with some of the earliest artifacts that have been found in the Gyeongju vicinity prior to the Three Kingdoms period. Simple pottery, stone knives, swords and chipping instruments once used by a primitive society are displayed. Iron and bronze implements including unglazed pottery from the Three Kingdoms period are followed by many more sophisticated objects. The exhibition halls are devoted to tile and clay sculpturing, harness and armory. Displayed in the art hall are both stone and iron sculptures Buddha images, golden crowns and ornamental objects including bracelets, earrings, necklaces, tiles and Hwangyongsa temple replica. There are only ten fully golden crowns in the world, with eight coming from the Korean peninsula and six of those excavated from tombs in Gyeongju. They're all very ornate and some of them weigh over a kilogram. An eight-sided pillar monument dedicated to Yi Chadon who was martyred for the cause of Buddhism in 527 shows this official in relief without a head and spurting what the legend says is white blood. Outdoor exhibition displays a huge collection of stone sculptures; Buddhas, Diamond Mighty Men, pagodas and foundation stones.
Followings are some of information on the items displayed in the museum.
Divine Bell of Seongdeok the Great
3.3m high, 2.2m in lip diameter, 19 ton, and 11 ~ 25Cm thick, the bell, also known as the "Emille" Bell or Bongdeoksa Bell, was cast in 771, and now located at Gyeongju National Museum. King Gyeongdeok commissioned his artisans to cast a bell to honor the spirit of his deceased father Seongdeok who died in 737. King Gyeongdeok died before its completion in 770. King Hyegong, grandson of Seongdeok had the bell hung in Bongdeoksa. A Buddhist bell is the one to use in order to inform the time, or assemble the public, and hold a ritual in the temple. The body of the bell has two ornamental bands of arabesque patterns circling the top areas bordered by arabesque bands. Within each area are nine nipples arranged in rows of three. There are usually devas or flying angles depicted in prayer or playing instruments. The purpose of the hollow tube protruding from the top is to amplify the tone. The bell embodies the characteristics of the ancient Korean bronze bells. There is a lengthy inscription carve into both sides as well as four relief devas facing each other and depicted separately in a knelling posture on a lotus flower. Wisps of floating garments swirl into heavenly clouds. The bell is distinguished not only for its outstanding beauty but also for its long reverberating sound, the incredibly precise casting technique, in addition to the sad legend surrounding it.
Metal craftworks
Silla developed metal craft works related to Buddhism. Temple bells and Sarira containers are the most representative items among those Buddhist craftworks. The Silla bells became the typical model of Korean bell with its dragon-shaped ring and a sound sleeve on the upper lid, making Korean bell unique, and cannot be seen this type in other countries.
Sarira reliquary
Sarira means the remains of cremated body, and the Sarira of Sakyamuni was enshrined in eight tombs after his death. In India the Sarira of Sakyamuni was put into golden, silver and bronze case in many folds after putting it into crystal bottle, and finally laid in a case made of steatite, and then enshrined in the tomb. According to the Samguisagi (Historical Records of Three Kingdoms), Buddhist Saria was introduced to Silla in 549 from China.
Stone Sarira Case
Bunhwangsa Sarira case was discovered sealed with sarira reliquary in a stone case between the 2nd and 3rd body of the Bunhwangsa pagoda. The size of the cover is 63Cm in length and width respectively, and the body enshrined various offerings including sarira case after trimming a natural stone and digging inside of it in square shape. In a way of precaution to prevent rain drops from being soaked into the stone case, a drainage was made on a corner of the bottom. And a projection was prepared to prevent separation of the cover and the body.
Roof-Tiles
A variety of tile with demon-mask which were the tiles to decorate blocking up the end of the ridge of roof or the frontage, were discovered, but most of them were rather broken. The convex roof-end tile is the one to decorate the round part hung down from the end of convex roof-tile, and this site includes lots of big ones comparing to the remains from other sites. The concave roof-end tile is the one to decorate the round part hung down from the end of concave roof-tile, and most of them have plant designs with some exceptions. Tiles are round and square types, and they have a nailed hole in the center or top and bottom. Also hunchback-shaped or concave corner tiles are assumed to have been separately made and used according to the part of wooden structures. Roof-End Tile with Human Face Design was discovered at the site of Yeongmyosa in the north of Five Tombs. Convex roof-end tiles mostly have lotus designs on it, but human face design is very unique. It is an excellent works with the natural look of Silla woman lightly smiling with shyness. It was partially broken, but we can assume that it might have actually used for roof from the intact traces on the back attached to cylinder-shaped male roof-tile.
Silla pottery
Silla pottery refers to dark blue stone ware and red pottery excavated in the Silla territory. Dark blue stone wares were made on potter's wheel and then baked in climbing kiln with as high temperature as 1,000 degrees Celsius. Silla pottery has various forms such as jar and mounted dish. They also have diverse designs. Stamped design had been in fashion since the seventh century.
Swords with Round Pommel
The swords excavated from large tombs of Silla express the dignity of the occupant of the tomb. Most of them are decorated with gold and silver. On the haft are symbolic ornaments such as dragon, phoenix, tri-ring pommel or tri-leaf ornaments. The sheath is made of two splendidly decorated wood combined.
Harness
Harness consists of three parts of equipment of horse-control (bridle and bits), horseback-riding (stirrups and saddles), and finally horse-decoration (harness fittings for cross belt, horse strap pendants and horse bells). A horse was a symbol of authority as well as a very close and useful animal to Silla people.
Stone chamber Tomb
Stone chamber tomb was introduced to Silla from Goguryeo and Baekje in the middle of the sixth century. The spread of stone chamber tombs resulted from the change in Silla people's concept of death with the approval of Buddhism. The form of this tomb was developed into a Silla tradition from early influences of Goguryeo and Baekje. The development progressed with the unification of the Three Kingdoms.
Wooden chamber tomb with stone mound
It is a unique of Silla tomb. It consists of outer coffin and wooden chest for funerary objects inside. Then they piled up stone on and around the outer coffin and the built a mound. Such tombs have excellent funerary objects including gold and glass products as well as gold crown. Heavenly Horse Tomb is one of the good examples of this style.
Jar coffins
Jar coffins refer to tombs with pottery coffins. Most jar coffins found in Gyeongju area are made of several jars combined. Various mortuary objects have been excavated from them. Some jar coffins found in Gyeongju area have pebbles either on their around or inside. A cart-shaped pottery, small potteries presumed as mortuary objects and clay bead were found in the jar coffin. This cart-shaped pottery is thought to be a chariot to guide the deceased to the other world.
Odd-shaped pottery
The term of odd-shaped pottery refers to pottery in the shape of everyday objects like a horse, duck or bird, boat, cart, horned cup, house and shoe. These vessels are presumed to have been used for pouring wine or water at ancestral rites. They convey the symbolic wish of the Silla people for the deceased to have comfort and to ascend into heaven. It seems that they were buried as funerary objects.
Clay figurines
Clay figurines refer to clay images of human beings, animals or everyday tools. Decorative clay figurines are mostly attached to pottery. They give naive and innocent expression representing the emotions and feeling of the Silla people. Clay dolls, an independent clay figurine was funeral objects from stone chamber tombs, costumes, facial expression and chariots of that period were highly realistically described on clay dolls. The clay figurines and clay dolls would help us broaden the understanding of Silla people's spirit as well as their art.
Ornaments
People have been wearing accessories since Prehistoric Age. The Proto-Three Kingdoms period, various materials were used for accessories including metal and glass as well as horn and bone, stone and clay. Necklaces made of glass beads and crystal are extremely brilliant. Bronze buckle, buttons and bells were frequently used as accessories. They had incantatory intentions and represented social rank and authority.
Necklace
The necklace materials gradually changed into jade or glass from animal teeth or shells. Most necklaces excavated from Silla tombs were made of dark blue glass beads and some of crystal, jade and agate. In some large tombs of royal family were gold necklaces. Brilliant is the gold necklace from Hwangnamdaechong made of empty gold bead with spangles.
Bracelets and Rings
Bracelets and rings are usual finds of Silla tombs. Bracelets are made of gold, silver and glass. Bracelet is generally made by welding up gold stick into a circle and has carving patterns on the surface. Rings are made of gold and silver. They are two types of rings. One is decorated with plain lozenge shape and the other has netting design on its surface.
Earrings
Earrings were the most common ornament and lots of earrings have been excavated from Silla tombs. The elaborate and splendid Silla earrings illustrate Silla people's sense of beauty and highly developed craft skills. The earrings may have not been directly inserted on earlobe, but hung on ear with animal skin gook or decorated on the sides of gold crown or silk cap.
Pendants
The usual form of pendants is several long spiral ornaments combined and is similar to that of earrings. Pendants were placed around the base of crowns to maximize the brilliant of the crown. Pendants were usually made of gold and comma-shaped jade or glass was inserted.
Vessels
The invention and use of vessels made human life better. During the Three Kingdoms periods, metal vessels were used as symbols of the authority of the ruling class as the metal production augmented. They include caskets made of gold, silver and bronze, mounted dishes, tri-legged cauldrons with handle, steamers, jars and irons, some of which have an inscription on their bottom of handle.
Splendid gold and silver vessels
such as mounted dish, ladle and bowl with or without lid were excavated from the large wooden chamber tombs with stone mound of Silla. These vessels seem to have been made as funerary objects rather than for actual use.
Goseonsa Pagoda
This pagoda was moved to Gyeongju National Museum in 1975 when the monastic site of Goseonsa was submerged below water with the construction of Deokdong Dam. It is an ordinary pagoda composed of a two-level base dais at the bottom, a three-story body, and a pinnacle consisting of an overturned bowl and an upturned flower. Notably, it bears similarities with the East and West Stone pagodas at the monastic site of Gameunsa, which are thought to have been completed in the late seventh century. In every aspect, it has the same height of about 10.1 meters and the same arrangement of 82 pieces of stone. The only difference may be the fact that the stone pagoda at the monastic site of Goseonsa contains a door-shaped carving on the first story of the body.
Stone Lantern
Lanterns were usually placed in front of the temple's main hall where the Buddha's image was enshrined, thereby allowing the Buddha's light to shine brightly. During the Unified Silla period, stone lanterns with a long, thin octagonal pillar were mainly produced stone lanterns of unusual shapes such as drum-belly stone lanterns with thick nodes in the middle of round pillars and others supported by tow lions can still be seen today.
The stone lantern found at Gyeongju County Fortress site previously only consisted of a lower dais and octagonal pillar, but was restored to its present shape after its transfer to the museum. The height of the stone lantern, restored by estimation, extends to 6 meters, the highest among those of the Unified Silla period so far identified. The worshiping stone in front of the stone lantern and on which offerings were displayed did not form part of a pair.
Epigraphs of Silla
It is not known exactly from when Chinese characters were used in Silla. But, it seems to correspond with that of the introduction of Buddhism in the 6th century. Valuable epigraphs such as the monument of Naengsuri in Yeongil, Bongpyeong in Uljin, King Jinheung, Ojak in Daegu, Myeongwhalsanseong, and that of Sinseong in Gyeongju are still remaining. Epigraphs were produced mainly in front of royal tombs from the age of Unified Silla. They must have erected monuments when they built royal tombs. However, most of the monuments are lost except some of pieces like the monument of King Munmu, Kim Inmun, and King Heungdeok.
Donggung palace and Wolji pond
Situated at the northeast edge of the Banwolseong palace site, the entire area has a size of 190m x 190m in rectangular.
It was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. The site was first developed in 674, soon after the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Unusual trees were brought from all over the known world and placed in this exotic garden teeming with rare animals and birds. The largest porch was Imhaejeon which according to the records could seat over one thousand people. The present pavilion was built about one fourth size of the original structure. It is carefully designed to evoke the feeling of standing on the edge of a wide sea, not a small pond. There are 3 islands at the center of the pond, imitating an imaginary island which is believed to be in the East Sea.
Namsan
Namsan consists of two peaks; Gowisan (494m) and Geumosan (468m) extending 8㎞ south and north, and 4㎞ east and west. Namsan in the heart of Gyeongju is home to many historic and cultural remains from the Silla kingdom.
Namsan became a religious sanctuary in a country completely dominated by Buddhism. Its seventeen valleys abound in legends. Over 150 temples were believed to have existed on these slopes. The people during this Buddhist golden era prayed for peace and prosperity for the kingdom by building temples in the valleys and carving Buddhist images on the cliffs behind. 4 ancient fortress ruins, 147 temple sites, 118 Buddha images carved into the rocks, 97 pagodas, 22 stone lanterns, 19 lotus pedestals, 13 royal tombs, and 686 cultural assets still remain in Namsan from the Silla period (BC57- AD935) to the present day. Named is added to UNESCO World Heritage.
Probably the most unique of all the historic remains seen along the skyway route is that of the Yongjangsa temple site. Situated on a scenic vantage point sits a typical Silla pagoda and an unusual Buddha image on a circular pagoda-like pedestal. The first leg of the climb can be challenging, but soon easy for anyone to enjoy. On your trekking trail, you will encounter with numerous ancient reliefs, Buddha images, Buddhist pagodas and temple sites.
Poseok bower
Poseok bower is at the western slope of Mt. Namsan, and was the part of the pleasure palace. It is closely linked to the final days of Silla. All that can now be seen are the irregular stone channel through which at one time a cool stream of water was directed during the royal banquets. The abalone shaped water channel holds the running water in it.
The channel is made up of 63 rock materials. It is 35cm wide, 26cm deep on average, and the total length is about 10 meters. It is said that the Namsan Valley water was spewed out through a stone turtle, but the stone turtle does not remain today. The Silla Kings had come with their officials and nobles would float their wine glasses on the water where the water would flow along the stone groove, and they would recite poems before their glasses floated up to them.
The entertainers stayed inner side of the channel, while the royals sat around outside. It was in 927 when Late Baekje King Gyeonwhon sacked Gyeongju. But, Silla King Gyeongae, who was later killed by Gyeonwhon, continued sprees here. The elms, the large trunk and gnarled with age, may have witnessed the fleeting years during the final tragic scenes of this drama. Listening closely one can almost hear the shrill of laughter of the palace girls, smell the aroma of food mixed with the pungent sweet odor of wine. The cool waters flowing through the winding stone channels have long since ceased and now only the imagination holds a visitor who might pause to ponder.
Tomb of Kim Yusin
List as historical site No. 21, this tomb is regarded as among the finest carved zodiac figures. The 12 granite panels of zodiac symbols with animal heads and human bodies holding their own weapons in guarding position surround the mound. Kim Yusin (595-673) who served as Silla's general under King Muyeol by unifying Silla in the 7th century. He was conferred posthumous honor of King title. The tomb is located a short distance west of town. Dressed in civilian garb, the stone carved zodiac images surrounding the mound are the most well preserved of all the remains.
Tomb of King Muyeol
King Muyeol presided over the golden age of Silla expansion, and is considered one of the greatest of Silla rulers. During his short rule from 654 to 661, he forged an alliance with Tang China and defeated the rival Baekje kingdom with the help of his able general, Kim Yusin. Muyeol's tomb sits in the pine forests of mount Sondosan. It is a circular ground mound made of piled-up soil with a bottom girth of 116 m, a height of 8.8 m, and a diameter of 37 m. There was once a ring of stones reinforcing the base of the mound, but most have disappeared over the centuries while only the larger stones remain. In front of the tomb is a tortoise statue that dates from the original construction. It once supported a eulogy to the king supposedly written by Kim In-mun, the second son of King Muyeol and one of the foremost poets of the time. On the turtle's back rests the cap-stone with three pair of entwined dragons carved in bold relief. Now deprived of its burden, the tortoise rests in a modern pavilion. This granite turtle base with tablet cap-stone, is considered one of the most important historical remains. Behind the king's tomb are several mounds that are believed to hold the remains of relatives of the king, but to date none has been excavated.
Bunhwangsa temple
This small temple is more dominated with its unique pagoda. Though appearing to be brick the materials used for the pagoda were actually cut stone slaps shaped to look like bricks. This partial pagoda is an imitation of earlier wooden styles. The massive pagoda was built in 634. Originally it was believed to have 9 stories, though now only three remain. On four sides of the first story are doors guarded on either side by scowling deva guardians carved in bold relief. Also on the four corners of the platform are sculptured stone lions. Further beyond the pagoda is the main worship hall containing a standing Yaksa Yeorae (Buddha of Medicine) and portrait of Wonhyo. There is a legendary well that is said to have saved the kingdom. Nearby open field was once occupied by the Silla's largest temple named Hwangryongsa.
Wonhyo
He is a seventh-century Buddhist monk and popularly remembered, however, for the story that relates his startling moment of enlightenment. Caught at night in a drenching rainstorm during a journey to China, Ven. Wonhyo took shelter in a nearby grotto, where he found what he took to be a gourd filled with fresh water from which he drank to quench his thirst. Daybreak, however, revealed the convenient "gourd'' to be a human skull and the "fresh'' water to be repellently foul. At this moment, he experienced enlightenment, utterly convinced that all existence is nothing but consciousness, for his own conscious mind had transformed brackish water from a skull into fresh water from a gourd.
Hwangyongsa site
The site has an area of 281m x 288m.
In 554 during the reign of Jinheung the court made preparation to build a new palace east of Half Moon Fortress. As construction began it was reported that a dragon was observed at the construction site. After looking into this matter the king decided to change the intended palace to a temple, giving its name of Imperial Dragon. Taking 17 years the construction of Hwangyongsa must have been a monumental undertaking. Many of Hwangyongsa's foundation stones can still be seen. The main hall of the temple was colossal as the length was over 50 meters while the width was 17 meters. Ten large pillars 90 Cm in diameter were used across the front. One can now see three gigantic flat stones which served to support the three Buddha images. Side by side these pedestal stones are over 8 meters long. The central image of Buddha was believed to weigh over 23 tons. Considering the 3.8 ton of gold used to cover its surface one can readily imagine the importance of Hwangyongsa in the eyes of the Silla rulers. The largest bell ever cast in Korea was completed in 754 and hung at Hwangyongsa. Its weight, according to the records, was four times that of the famed Emillie bell now located in the Gyeongju National Museum. At Hwangyongsa once stood 67 meters tall nine story pagoda entirely made of wood until it was destroyed during the Mongol invasion in 1238. Other well known legend is told about famous realist painter Solgeo who was commissioned to paint on the exterior wall of the main hall. He painted a large pine tree and so realistic was it that birds tried to land on its branches.
Gulbulsa site
It is about 5km east of downtown Gyeongju. Set in the lower foot of mountain, the temple does not exist anymore, but the site is more dominated with a rock carved with four sides of bodhisattavas and Buddha. One single rock with its four sides of the 8th century sculptures is well preserved here. Medicine Buddha is in the east, Sakyamony in the south, Amitah in the west, and Avalokitesvara bodhisattva in the north. The height of Medicine Buddha is 2.06m and he holds medicine on his left hand. 1.6m-high Shayamoni Buddha with his halo and nimbus is assisted by two bodhisattvas, but one on his right is taken off by someone. The Amitah Buddha, who is in charge of paradise world, is the tallest figure. 3.51m-tall Buddha stands in the middle assisted by two bodhisattvas. The north is the direction for Meitreya Buddha, the Buddha of the future, who is believed to come on this land 5.7 billion years later, in Mahayana Buddhism. But, we miss it on this rock. Avalokitesvara bodhisattva, goddess of mercy, is carved instead. She has 11 faces and 6 arms.
Banwolseong
It is a small artificial soil fortress and has become a popular park for the visitors. Banwolseong or Half Moon Fortress was the heart of the Silla capital. Adjacent Donggung palace and Wolji pond was a part of this palace complex but during Japanese occupation a road was constructed which now bisects this historic palace site. The fortress circumference is about 800 meters and of course as the name implies is shaped like a half moon. On the southern side of the of the fortress flows the South Stream where the remains of two bridges Sun Spirit and Moon Spirit can still be seen. Traditionally there were eight fortress gates and within the walls there were 21 buildings. An interesting structure in the fortress is Seokbinggo, a freezer made of stones. Half of the structure is underground while the other half is above ground with three air vents on top. It is assumed that the first freezer was made in the 6th century in Korea. The freezer walls are covered with stones to stop the water and the floor is slanted to allow water to flow out. The ceiling is made of stone and takes shape of arch. Two stone plates at the entrance swirl the cold air into the freezer. This structure was restored in 1738.
Gyerim
Adjacent to Banwolseong, It has an area of about 8,000m². Gyerim is Gyeongju's sacred woodland area and
progenitor of the Gyeongju Kim family, Kim Al-ji, was supposed to have been born. Thick with zelkova trees and cherries, it is known as Korea's oldest woodland.
Oreung (Five Tombs)
In the south of downtown Gyeongju, there are five mounds in the shady grove of regal pines. In AD 4 the first king of Silla died and was buried here. After seven days his queen also passed away and was buried next to him. A legend is told that after the queen died the people tried to bury her in the same tomb as king but could not because a large reptile kept appearing to disturb the workmen. As a result the royal remains were divided into five parts and buried in five separate mounds. Even today these five tombs are sometimes referred to as Sareung (Reptile Tomb). As visitors gaze at the wild gyrations of the pine trunks in this grove of trees they are reminded of this legend and ponder if this reptile could still be lurking about.
Gwaereung
Presumed to be the tomb of King Wonseong (785-798), the 38th king of Silla Dynasty, Gwaereung, is widely known as a suspended tomb because legend has it that there was once a pond here over which the king's body was suspended.
The stone plates of the retaining wall are sculptured with the 12 images of the Oriental zodiac.
The tomb is surrounded by stone pillars and there is also a stone table.
To the south of the mound are two pairs of stone lions, civilian guards and military guards, facing each other.
In front of them are two stone pillars.
Many consider this as the best of the royal tombs developed in the Silla Dynasty. Representative of Unified Silla (668-935) tombs, the construction of Gwaereung was influenced by cultural exchanges with Tang of China, as evidenced by the Arabian-looking military figure.
The highly innovative spirit and artistic skills of the Silla people are evident in the 12 lively zodiac images and the forcefully executed sculptures on various stone artifacts from the tomb. The stone figures are placed in pairs on each side of the entrance to Gwaereung tomb.
They include four Muinseok (stone figures of warriors) and Muninseok (stone figures of scholars), four stone lion figures and two stone pillars.
The stone figures are much more dynamic and full of life, and are representative of realistic sculptures that were prevalent during the 8th century.
They are valuable relics that capture the quintessence of the glorious Silla culture, and are valuable to the study of sculptures of the Silla Kingdom.
Carved Buddhist images at Tapgok (Okryongam)
Tapgok was once occupied by Sininsa temple during the United Silla period. A group of Buddhist images are carved on the rocky cliff measuring 10m in height and 30m in circumference. On the north facade is a seated Sakyamuni on the lotus pedestal, franked by two pagodas of nine-story and seven-story. On the east facade is a Buddhist image at the center surrounded by Apsalas, Buddhist monks, Vajrapani, and trees. On the south stands three-story pagoda, and the Buddhist triad is amicably carved, with Bodhisattva, and Buddhist monk. Finally, on the west, a Buddha is sitting among bamboos and weeping willows. Overall, 34 images are carved on and around this rock.
Seated Stone Buddha at Bulgok
About 20 minute walk from the Okryongam is Bulgok, where a seated Buddha image is enshrined in the niche cut out of a natural rock. Locals name it Halamae Bucheo. The head is carved in relief, and has a large usnia (a protuberance on top of the head symbolizing supreme wisdom). The face is round and eyes are protruding. Shoulders are in smooth curve, and the robe cover both shoulders. Hands are hidden inside the robe. The Buddha is believed to have carved in the late 6th century.
Yangdong Village
Located about 20km north of Gyeongju, is less well-known Yangdong village. Just north of the village stands the guardian mountain Solchangsan which breaks into four branches as it descends from the Mujangbong peak. At the entrance to the village, the view is interrupted by steep ridges, making it impossible to guess its grand scale from outside of the valley. Most of the grand old houses can only be seen up close. There were more than 600 houses here, but with the influx of modernization and change of lifestyle, the traditional houses decreased. The houses, built according to the harmonious theory of yin and yang have been handed down from generation to generation in their original elegant forms. Most of the people here are the descendants of Son and Yi family. Most of the houses are still occupied by villagers but some are empty, making it more comfortable to examine them. Of the significant buildings of the village is Gwangajeong pavilion. It was built by Son Jungdon (1463-1529) whose pen name is Ujae. He served the government as minister of home affairs during the reign of Seongjong. The house has a square layout with inner court, Gwangjeong. The women's quarters appears to be a simple structure with square pillars. At the back of the house is shrine with a gabled roof, and round pillars, and a wooden-floored veranda with a railing. Since the pavilion is located on the high ground level at the entry of the village, it has a wonderful view of the natural surrounds. In the front are two giant gingko trees, which is said to have planted in memory of the pavilion being built. Hyangdan is a beautiful tile-roofed house complex. It was built in 1543 at the order of King Jungjong as a home for the ailing mother of Yi Eonjeok (1491-1553), who had just been appointed to the governor of Gyeongsang province. Originally, here stood a 99-roomed house, which was later destroyed. The number of rooms was reduced to 56 when the building was reconstructed in 1976.
Mucheomdang is the home of Yi Eonjeok's father, Yi Beom. Built in 1460, it shows simple but elegant workmanship with special highlight on functionality. The signboard bearing calligraphy on the right was written by the Regent of King Gojong, The sign says 'Left sea refined and scholarly'', a reference to the scenery and scholarly associated with the nearby sea. Simsujeong
avilion was built in 1560 in memory of Yi Eongwal, whose pen name is Nongjae. Refusing to accept any official position, he is said to have devoted himself to caring of his old mother on behalf of his elder brother, Eonjeok. It is the largest pavilion in the village. Another attractive house is Seobaekdang. It has all the scale and formality of a mansion. Built in the 1454, it is the home of the Son family, the founder of this village. A giant juniper tree of some 500 years old stands graciously boasting fully of its dignity. A geomancer, Seol Changson who selected this place as the best site for a home, predicted that three great figures would come from this house in which the spirits of Mt. Seochangsan are condensed. The first was Son Jungdon (1463-1529), who became a famous government official of impeccable integrity. The second was a famous Confucian scholar Yi Eonjeok, who was born here in his mother's maiden home. The 3rd great figure has yet to appear. A walk through Yangdong can help you to imagine the life of a nobleman during the Joseon dynasty. There are many traditional and historic buildings, so far, a visit suggestion is Gwangajeong - Hyangdan - Daesoenghyeon - Mucheomdang - Mulbong summit - Gyeongsan Seodang - Nakseondang - Seobaekdang - Simsujeong.
Oksan Seowon
Oksan Seowon, a Confucian shrine-academy was completed in 1572 in honor of Yi Eonjeok, a great Korean Neo-Confucian philosopher who stressed the primacy of material force over principle. The study of Yi Eonjeok succeeding to Toegye Yi Hwang took the initiative in Neo-Confucianism by the school of Yeongnam. The building layout is typical of most academies. The shrine to Yi Eonjeok sits at the highest point of the site, surrounded by an earthen wall connected to the outer wall. South of the shrine is a quadrangle of buildings, consisting of two dormitories to the east and west, a lecture hall to the north, and a study hall to the south. This shrine-academy was entitled 'Oksan' by the King in the next year and became a government-sponsored shrine-academy. It consists of Guindang where the students study and Cheinmyo where people enshrine the precedent scholars. The tablet of Yi Eonjeok is enshrined inside Cheinmyo. Guindang, which also has hip and gable roof and 5 rooms at the front and 2 the sides, was burnt down in the 5th year of King Heonjong (1893) but rebuilt. Besides those two buildings, there are more buildings such as Yeongnangmun (the front gate), two storied Mullu (building), Dongjae (East Dorm for students), Seojae (West Dorm for students), and Amsujae (the stack room), etc. To the south east of the shrine-academy, Cheongbungak, the pavilion built by the posterity in 1972, exhibits some famous books such as "Supilgobon" written by Yi Eonjeok and Kim Busik's complete set of "Samguksagi (History of the Three Dynasties) with 9 volumes. Oksan shrine-academy, one of the 47 shrine-academies which were the exceptions for abolishment during the reign of Daewongun in the late Joseon, preserves the calligraphies or collected works of famous scholars. Dosan Seowon, Sosu Seowon and Oksan Seowon are three most famous Seowons in the region. About 700m away from the Seowon is Dongrakdang, a Yi Eonjeok's study. It was built in 1532, when he retired from his government office. An interesting window with lattice pieces fitted vertically at even intervals across the frame was furnished on the wall beside the building. Oksan Seowon is also famous for preserving an intact copy of the Samguksagi, a history of early Korea, listed as a national treasure.
Cheongdo
Cheongdo is dominated by Unmunsa temple, persimmon, and bull-fighting. Unmunsa Temple (Temple of Cloud Gate) from the 6th century features seven treasured artifacts and a stone lantern. Unmunsa is the largest ordained women's training center in Korea. About 250 students regularly follow a four year course in Buddhism. The nunnery is entirely self-sufficient with no dependency on laypeople or outsiders. These women come out as dharma warriors, very strong from the rigorous discipline. There is a famous tree, which is said to have grown up from a branch planted by a passing monk. About 500 years old pine, which is 6 meter tall and has a girth of 2.9 meter, drooping its braches downwards is rare and really visual. Cheongdo is abundant in persimmon that yields seedless, juicy fruit. The tree grows straight and tall, and that only grows in Cheongdo. Bullfighting is a time honored tradition. There is an exclusive bull ring and all the top fight bulls from across the nation are brought together during the festival, and Cheongdo is always filled with thrills and excitement. The bulls are classified into three classes by weight. Bulls have to be two years old in order to take part in the fighting and fight for at least 5 years before being allowed to compete in the above 730kg category. After shoving amid the clattering of horns, billowing dust, their fighting continues until one is left standing, as his defeated opponent turns around to run away or backs off from a fight or gave way and trotted from the ring.
Daegu
Daegu is the 3rd largest city following Seoul and Busan. It is the only Korean metropolis without any direct access to the coast, thus it regards itself as a true interior city. Situated in the large basin with surrounding peaks, the city slopes northward toward the Geumho River. In summers, Daegu is the hottest city in Korea and considered to be the coldest in winters. Educational tradition for this city began in the late 19th century when foreign missionaries moved to Daegu and soon opened Western schools. Daegu became the first interior town to be opened to foreign influence. Today, Daegu became the home of 3 million people, and a strategic point for transportation with several expressways and Gyeongbu railway. It also has long been famous for apple farming and textile industry. Of the places of interests are many parks embracing historical sites and numerous cultural assets. The Deokyu park with its 200-meter-high tower is one of the most visited amusement parks in the area. In downtown Daegu,
there is a 700 meter-long streets, encapsulating the tradition of Korea's oriental medicine, filled with 56 pharmacies, 24 clinics, 76 wholesalers of ingredients, 20 ginseng stores, and 150 medicine brewery shops. Bongsan Culture streets of art galleries and many of the crowded busy streets add pleasures to your visit.
Goryeong
Jisandong Ancient Tombs
Located along the ridge of a guardian mountain which snugly encircles the town once served as a capital of Daegaya Kingdom, hundreds of middle-sized and smaller tombs were built tens of tombs were constructed along the ridge and in the slopes, making them the largest group of tombs in the entire region of Gaya.
Sacrificial burial is a funerary practice, burying humans or animals to accompany a deceased noble person. The practice was widely performed in ancient society and was, in part, practiced by the belief that even in the afterlife, attendants were required for the dead to continue to enjoy a certain lifestyle. The record has it that a royal order prohibited the practice of sacrificial burial in early 4th century.
In the center of Jisandong Tomb No. 44 are three large stone chambers. The largest one, or the main stone chamber, belongs to the master of the tomb. The king and two sacrificed bodies were laid to rest, and one sacrificed human body in each of three annexed chambers. Human bones of about 24 persons were confirmed in 32 additional stone coffins in the vicinity of the stone chambers. So, taking some completely decomposed bones into the count, about 40 persons were presumably entombed together. Such examples of massive human sacrifice have not been found in other ancient tombs of the era of the Three Kingdoms.
Presumably, two humans were entombed in opposite direction with their bodies overlapping each together suggest that two, a male in his early 30s and a female in her late 30s, were a couple. Male in his 30s was laid to rest with his 8-year old daughter in his arm. The finding shows those who were buried together comprise people with various duties such as chamberlains, guarding knights, warriors, and ordinary people.
Ulsan
Located in the southeastern coast of Korean peninsula, Ulsan is one of the largest cities in the country. The city has started to experience a dramatic growth from the 1960s when the Korean government launched the nation's first and largest industrialization drive. The city has an extensive industrial infrastructure, which includes Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Heavy Industries, LG Chemical and other manufacturers. Ulsan is often referred to as the Detroit of Korea. Also, Ulsan is well-known for pear farming and dominated by pear festival. Ulsan once boomed for whaling until it was banned in 1986. Today, the city operates three-hour whale watching tour from April to October on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday departing Jangsaengpo. Whale museum is an excellent facility to catch a glimpse of whaling history and various species of whales. Hyundai Motors Plant is one of the Ulsan's pride. Hyundai Motor Company, a division of the Hyundai KIA Automotives Group, is the world's fourth largest automaker in terms of units sold. Hyundai operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, which is capable of producing 1.6 million units annually. The company's success is driven by the commitment of approximately 75,000 employees in more than assembly plants, Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms worldwide.
Daegok-ri Rock Carvings
Bangudae rock carving is a huge prehistoric petrography with about 191 pictures carved with sharp tool on a natural rock (8m x 2m) at the bottom of the cliff of Daegokcheon the upstream of Taehwagang in Daegok-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulsan. Here, one can classify objects widely into sea animals like whale and dolphin are carved on the left and the land animals like tiger, dog, deer, boar and goat are carved in line on the right. Some animals or human beings are expressed in a simple shape, but some are described in X-ray style lifeline in the pictures of pregnant animals, gullet and other internal organs, animals kept in a net or cage, a boat where lots of people on board, a boat dragging a caught whale, a man with emphasized genital, a dancing shaman with a tail and so on. This rock carving is presumed to have been made sometime during the Neolithic and Bronze age.
Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok
The patterns etched into the rocks (6.5m x 3m) range from ocean creatures and land animals to human faces. The upper part of the rock, which is presumed to have been made during the Bronze age, features geometrical patterns, the designs of lozenges, two-prong circles, mud snails, deer, fish, birds, snakes, and human faces, etc. On the lower part of it, which is believed to have been made during Silla period (BC57- AD935), there are a number of characters from the time of the Silla kingdom, figures of humans and animals which were drawn in line. The stone type has patterns which have chiseled inside with chiseled outlines. A two-pronged circle symbolizes the sun, and the additional geometrical patterns signify that this was an altar where people of the Bronze Age held religious rituals to pray for agricultural abundance and the prosperity of their descendants.
Dinosaur Footprints
The area surrounding Cheonjeon-ri is known for its rock drawings and fossils of dinosaur footprints. It appears that the footprints belong to the dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period about 1 billion years ago. There are about 200 footprints in the area of 1,750m².
Ulleungdo
Located in the East Sea, some 120km from the Korean Peninsula and approximately 800km west of mainland Japan, the island is 10km long and 9.5km wide with 56.5km of coast line. Covering an area of 72.56㎢ and inhabited by some 10,000 people, Ulleung Island is small and charming. Volcanic origins have created a rugged landscape of soaring cliffs which rise from the sea floor to meet the mountains, the highest being Seonginbong Peak at 984 meters. The island has had an equally rocky history. Records go back to 512, when the Silla Kingdom conquered a small nation called Usanguk that governed Ulleung and nearby Dokdo Island. History then tells of sporadic fishermen's battles between Korea and Japan over fishing rights in the area. Their first conflict ended with Japan's recognition in 1696 that two islands - Ulleung and Dokdo - belonged to Korea's Joseon kingdom. In response to these difficulties, Joseon adopted an "empty-island'' policy, which proved impossible to enforce. After 1881 immigration began. Development has been kept to a minimum, as people are mostly involved in the fishing industry. Among the various kinds of seasonal fishes, the arrow cuttlefish and the Japanese amberjack are the most unique. Fresh sea breezes and an adequate temperature difference between day and night make it a tasty export to Japan and the U.S. Lesser industries on the island include the production of taffy, a chewy treat made from pumpkin, as well as wooden carvings from Chinese Juniper trees which shroud the island. The island holds many secret charms. Ulleung Island is certainly one of Korea's most beautiful treasures worth discovering. Daily boat service is in operation from Mukho and Pohang.
