Gyeongju Daily Tour

Itinerary

Hotel(Seoul) → Move to Gyeongju → Seokguram → Bulguk Temple → Cheomseongdae Observatory → Daerengwon → Back to Seoul → Hotel(Seoul)

1. Hotel(Seoul)

   

2. Move to Gyeongju

   

3. Seokguram

   Seokguram temple is an artificial cave grotto fashioned in the hills above Bulguksa temple. Assembled sometime during the 8th century it  is the only wholly intact building from the Silla era. The site is so unique that the visitors are only allowed a glimpse of the interior (photographs are prohibited). Strikingly similar to the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang,China,the architecture of the temple is derived from rock-hewn caves commonly found in China and India. Another Korean example that is crude by comparison (but older) is the Gunwi Grotto in Daegu. Historical references to the Seokguram are nonexistent but for a single account recorded in the Samguk Yusa (Legends of the Three Kingdoms) written by the monk Iryon in the 14th century. Iryon relates the legend that Kim Tae-song the architect of Seokguram was carving the central ceiling stone when it cracked before his eyes. The mason wept freely at his blunder and he fell into a deep trance. In a dream he saw celestial beings descend from heaven and repair the critical ceiling stone. When he awoke, he found the stone healed but for the faint traces of cracks on the surface. Modern historians are amazed at the tales accuracy: even today, cracks can be seen in the ceiling stone dividing it into three parts.

4. Bulguk Temple

   Lying at the mid-slope of Tohamsan Bulguk Temple is a famous temple representing Korea. The entire temple is a good example of the refined arts and Buddhist culture of the Silla Period and was designated as World Culture Heritage in 1995. It is said that Bulguk Temple was established at the zenith of the prosperity when the country was settled and all kinds of culture flourished after Silla unified the three kingdoms. According to records, this temple had nearly 60 buildings including total 2,000 rooms at one time. Today, world famous treasures such as Dapotap (a stone pagoda) and Seokgatap (a stone pagoda) remain around Daeungjeon in the temple of 36,300 square meters. There are as many as seven thousands treasures such as Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo stone stairs connected to Geugnakjeon (National Treasure No.22) and Cheongungyo and Beakungyo stone stairs connected to Jahamun (National Treasure No.23) and a sarira stupa (Treasure No.61). The sedentary image of Vairocana (National Treasure No.26) and the sedentary image of Amitabha (National Treasure No.27) which both of them are golden copper statues that are 1.7 meters high are also enshrined here. Every cultural asset features the unique Silla culture and owns distinguished values because most of the remains have been preserved intact since this temple was established in 751 (King Gyeongdeok of the Silla Dynasty).

5. Cheomseongdae Observatory

   An Astronomical Observatory Cheomseongdae is a stone tower well known as the oldest astronomical observatory in the East. Designated as National Treasure No.31. Cheomseongdae is about 9 meters in height and looks like a round bottle. This stone tower was made by laying 27 stones in a neat pile on the square foundation stone and by putting a square stone on the piles like a lid and has a window 1 meter in length and height toward the south. This architecture is highly valued for the beauty of an elegant curve and the exquisite harmony between a square and a circle.

6. Daerengwon

   The Daereungwon Tomb complex in Gyeongju holds 23 tombs that are found inside of large mounds.  The complex is beautiful with its rolling mounds and gardens, but the real treat can be found inside the tombs.  A walk through Daereungwon Tomb is like a walk through a dream and makes for one unforgettable experience.  Each tomb holds thousands of relics that gives us great insight into the Silla Dynasty and its royal family.  The contents of these tombs are over 1,500 years old and a great treasure to anyone who values Korean history and artistic beauty.  Be sure to hit up the Daereungwon Tomb in Gyeongju while in Korea.

7. Back to Seoul

   

8. Hotel(Seoul)

   

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