Gyeongju Museum without Walls (Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto)

Situated in the South Eastern part of Korea, Gyeongju (경주)  in Gyeongsangbuk-do Province was the capital of mighty Silla (신라) Kingdom for 992 years (BC 57-935). It was ruled by 56 kings, the longest surviving dynasty in the history of Korea.

Be mesmerised by this Ancient City of A Thousand-Year Kingdom. There's no sky-scraping buildings, but the city is blanketed by ancient landmarks as proud testaments to a bygone era.

 26 minutes of comfortable KTX ride from Busan to Singyeongju

We bought 3 day KR Pass for unlimited travel, therefore the price stated on ticket is 0원 (Won)

The ancient Tumuli tomb of Bangnae-ri, outside Singyeongju station

Once arrived in Singyeongju station, we took a taxi to Hill Motel, but receptionist was not around... we waited for about 15 minutes and decided to have our lunch opposite the hotel.

Kimchi Jjigae with Rice and Banchan (min. 2 pax)

We went to Gyeongju's Tourist Information Center to check city bus tour, but next available is night tour, and if not wrong... we need to book it one day before. Therefore, they suggested us to go to Bulguksa Temple which just next to it.

Let's explore "Museum without Walls"... This posting will be highlighting on The Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. In 1995, both became the first sites in Korea to be designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage. These monuments are major historical sites in Gyeongju , which capture the essence of Korean history and Buddhist culture.

1. Bulguksa Temple (불국사)

One of Korea's most cherished remnants of the Silla Dynasty (57-935 BC), the temple embodies the mysticism and beauty of Buddhism, which served as the spiritual and cultural backbone of Silla. was built in 528 during the Silla Dynasty.

 next to it = near?!!

The answer is NO!!! couldn't even see the temple after few minutes walking. 

I guess Tour bus will drop you near the entrance, so you don't need to walk that far.

  

 Make a guess... what is this?

Finally... the entrance to Bulguksa Temple.

Bulguksa Temple is also valued as the pinnacle of architecture and art in the 8th century. It sits upon a high stone platform, which extends one hundred meters long, is traversed by a stone staircase that is said to connect the temporal world (ground level) and the world of Buddha (the part of the temple on and above the platform).

High stone platform

It is also home to many important Cultural Relics such:

 The Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교)(National Treasure No. 23)

There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of Buddhism

 Dabo-tap (National Treasure No. 20)

The pagoda is currently depicted on the obverse of the 10 Won coin.

 Seokga-tap (National Treasure No. 21).

How about stay in this serenity place?

Check this link for Temple Stay

4 Heavenly Kings (사대천왕) guarding the temple...

Check this link for more information about Korean Buddhist Temple

 My mini stacked stone pagoda

One of my wishes is coming true soon~^^

  

2. Seokguram Grotto (석굴암)

Seokguram is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty. Kim Dae-Seong had built Bulguksa for the parents who were alive, and Seokguram for the parents of his former life. It's is located 8-kilometers past the Bulguksa Temple, along the ridge of Mount Tohamsan (745 meters above sea level) near the mountain's summit.

Constructed to look like a grotto, the structure was carved into the stone mountainside and then covered with sod. The center piece of the granite sanctuary is a seated Buddha statue called Bonjonbulsang.

Delicately sculpted to look as if rough granite is weaved into silk, the Seokgamoni Buddha has the serene expression of meditation at the moment of enlightenment. The craftsmanship of Buddha's facial expression and posture is so realistic, elegant, and alive that it is simply breath-taking. Despite all the technological advancements of modern times, the architecture, science, geometry, and art that went into making the Seokguram Grotto 1,200 years ago makes it a structure unmatched in its excellence.

  Tranquil walk... nice view of greeneries, fresh air and welcomed by cute squirrels ^^

Large bronze bell placed outside the entrance

(Check this link to see others 3 percussion instruments that normally found in temple) 

  

For donation KRW1,000 per person, you can ring / gong it.

(our expressions just for fun... It's not that heavy to gong it hehehe :P)

Entrance to Seokguram Grotto

감로수 (甘露水 = gan lu shui)

pathway leading to the Grotto - about 10 minutes walk

 Temple outside the Grotto

with colourful lanterns 

To preserve the site, the interior of the grotto can now only be viewed through a glass wall, installed to protect it from the large number of tourists it attracts, as well as temperature change. No pictures of the Buddha were allowed to be taken. Don't be disappointed, you can buy the postcards if you want.

 Seokguram Grotto's panoramic view - Perched on top of a mountain

ANNYEEEOOONNNGGG~~~!!!

~Love and Peace from Seokguram Grotto-Gyeongju~

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