Moonlight Drawn by Clouds Filming Spots

Sageuk drama, "Moonlight Drawn by Clouds" (구르미 그린 달빛) successfully seducing the world. I knew you're also mesmerised by Park Bo-gum and impatiently going to visit him and filming sites with ancient Korea settings.

"Even I closed my eyes, but I see you. Do you know how much I miss you? 눈을 감아도 그대가 보이네요, 그리워 하는 이 맘 그랜 아나요~?"

Something sparking my mind to do another action when writing this post and the background music playing Misty Road (안갯길), OST of this drama.

Really want to book a ticket and fly there now, but my feet were tied at war zone. Been busy selecting lights, furniture and bathrooms accessories, kitchen utensils from Taobao and EZBuy. Started to sort and clear out unused items which most or forgotten their existence as they lost in the black hole for hundred to thousand days. We need move house in 3 weeks, but now everything is just not here and not there!

Sadly, I had to reject my friend's offer to accompany my friend and her family to go to Korea during Christmas because the renovation will start in Dec and ended in January next year. She wants to explore magnificent and beautiful rural Korea rather than joining tour. So, only assisted her to plan rough itinerary. and referred her to contact Hana Tour agency in Korea, as they're the one in-charged of Visit Korea VIP Invitation Tour last November.

Listed here are few shooting locations where major scenes where Crown Prince Lee Young, Kim Yoo-jung (as Hong Ra-on), Jinyoung (as Kim Yoon-sung) and Kwak Dong-yeon (as Kim Byung-yeon) taken place:

Bamboo Grove and Jeonju Sago at Gyeonggijeon Shrine (경기전 정전).

This Shrine is one of the main historical sites in Jeonju, where erected in 1410 and holds the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty.

Not only this drama, movie such as 'Masquerade', 'My Way', and drama 'Painter of the Wind' also has featured part of this shrine's ground.

  Charming lush bamboo grove.  

Hong Sam Nom (Eunuch Ra-on) attempted to run away from the palace.
Unlucky as she was stopped by Silver Spoon (Crown Prince) who was
happy to meet her again after Ra-on left him in the pit.
"반갑다 멍멍아~! Nice to meet you, MongMonga (Puppy)~!^^

 

 and other scene...

Master Jung Deok-ho quickly disappeared after heard the voice of princess Myung Eun.

Injured Ra-on carried by his eunuch buddies...

They're coming from bamboo grove to Jeonju Sago.

 Prince Lee Yeong punished Ra-on with a kiss for disobeying him

below this building that storing copy of The Annals of Joseon Dynasty.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Jeonju Hyanggyo Confucian School (전주향교).

 Myeongnyundang Lecture Hall.

This building appears quite frequent as it serves as Ra-on’s and Kim Byung-yeon's
residence in this drama. It's also where Kim Yoon-sung and Crown Prince
spent many happy moments when they're young.

Ra-on offers a chicken leg to the Crown Prince at this yard before the hall.

 This scene is also at Jeonju Hyanggo between the ginkgo trees.

But in these photos, you only can see bald trees as

we went there during winter.

 Crown Prince supervising the dancers while Ra-on busy documented the dance moves.

 These 2 scenes were outside Daeseongjeon (대성전 / 大成殿) Confucian Shrine hall.

They just changed the buildings names for the drama.

 

 This location is between Daeseongjeon and the inner gate...

일월문 (日月門) gate can be seen from Manhwaru Pavilion (main gate)

or you can see from the video below 3:15 and 3:55.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Sosuseowon Confucian Academy (영주 소수서원)

Yoon-sung suggested Ra-on to rest below the tree. It's one of the pine trees 

located at the pine forest facing Munseonggongmyo which is near to

Gyeongryeomjeong Pavilion outside Sosu Museum.

 You can clearly see these giwa roofs of Jirakjae (지락재) and Hakgujae (학구재),

 Historical Museum and Jangseogak Library at the backdrop.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Suwon Haenggung Palace (화성행궁)

'Boombastic' teaser for Moonlight Drawn by Clouds.

Cheeky Crown Prince (Park Bo-gum) cheesely dancing with Eunuch Jang 

while the royal guards and royal maid watching him unbelieveably.

Even in the above photos, some visitors of Haenggung Palace (화성행궁) 

was being entertained and sitting in front of the courtyard of  Bongsudang Hall.

 Bongsudang Hall, appears as the living quarters of the Crown Prince. Eunuch Jang 

introduces the building to Ra-on as “the palace of the Crown Prince.

In episode three, Ra-on kneeling before being slapped by Queen Kim. (Source)

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Saving these others filming locations of this darma in my bucket lists so I can visit them next visit. Please click the link for the photo source and more information.

We took Korail themed S-Train from Busan to Southern region, and  the train has a  short stopover at Hadong and Suncheon stations.

 

Sadly, we didn't have time to  visit  Hadong’s House of Choi Champan (photo on the right).

It is recommended place as it's known as the setting of the famous novel ‘Toji’ (‘The Land’).

It serves as House of Prime Minister Kim Heon, where it's the venue for 

a celebratory feast for the pregnancy of Queen Kim...

and when Ra-on slips from the roof chasing after a chicken.

We just stopped at Suncheon, but didn't go to 

Naganeupseong Folk Village (낙안읍성민속마을)

because we'd to continue our trip to Jeonju by normal train. 

  

 Ra-on loses her balance and fell into the pond.

Crown Prince jumps in the palace pond to save her.

 This pavilion and pond located at Gwanghalluwon Garden in Namwon.

Gudeurae Sculpture Park (구드래조각공원).

This park is just beside Gudeurae Pier (구드래 나루터).

You can take the ferry along  Baengmagang River to Goransa Temple at  Buso mountain where the  Busosanseong Fortress is located. 

Check this link if you want to have famous local speciality

 Bulgogi Dolssambab or visit Buyeo National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda.

I thought the ending scene filming location was at Bukcheon not Buyeo,

 because I remember the view of the above picture. 

Normally I searched Visit Korea website to get information and attraction places before deciding where to visit, so in my mind this cosmos field scene was familiar because I did check Bukcheon as S-train also stopping at this station. 

Now only can close my eyes and see myself wearing Hanbok and stroll around this beautiful field full of cute cosmos blossoms. Shades of pink and white blending with blue sky with floating cottony white clouds. Past the misty road if you're looking for me...

Treasures in Buseoksa Temple (부석사)

Buseoksa is one of the 10 largest temples in Korea. According to Teacher Jeon, Buseoksa has these 3 elements that make it a perfect temple: 

1. Sarira / Buddha's Relics  (사리 = 舍利)

2. Buddha's Sutras  (장경각 = 藏經閣)
3. Nice Sangha / Monks

There are five national treasures in Buseoksa Temple:

1. Muryangsujeon (무량수전) Hall - National Treasure No. 18

Constructed in 1376, the temple’s main hall, Muryangsujeon, is is the second oldest wooden building in Korea that survive until now. Most others were destroyed in the Japanese invasions or accidental fires over the centuries. 

Muryangsujeon Hall and Stone Lantern (부석사무량수전앞석등)

Muryangsujeon boasts its beautiful curved lines of the building structure. It has 5 rooms at the front and 3 rooms at the side that radiates an effortless grace of elegance and dynamism, that make it one of the most beautiful wood building in Korea with its simple adornment.

2. Sojo Yeorae Seated Statue (National Treasure No.45) inside Muryangsujeon hall

3. Stone Lantern in front of Muryangsujeon - National Treasure No.17

In the courtyard, this 2.97m tall stone lantern is a very typical relic of the Unified Silla period (668 - 935). I's considered to be the most beautiful granite lantern in Korea, thanks to its magnificent sculpture and artistic shape. 

Stone Lantern and Three-story Stone Pagoda

This octagonal stone pole has 4 windows designed for better lightning, decorated with inverted lotus petals and flowers on the top of the pedestal, which also serves as the base of the light chamber. The sculpture of Bodhisattva finely crafted on four sides of the light chamber make it more elegant and artistic. 

4. Josadang (조사당) Shrine - National Treasure No.19
Josadang is a shrine for the great Monk Uisang. It said that in this Josadang, Monk Uisang taught the Avatamska Sect to his students until his death after the construction of Buseoksa Temple.

Outside the shrine, there is a tree called 'Seonbihwa'. Click here for the photo and story about this tree which grew up from Monk Uisang's walking stick.

5. Josadang Wall Painting - National Treasure No.46
On the wall inside of Josadang, there are 6 images of the Four Guardian Kings and two Bodhisattvas. These were painted in 3rd year of King Woo of Goryeo Dynasty (1377) when Josadang was first built.

The oldest mural painting of Buddhism.

Followings are cultural assets and remaining heritages that can be found in Buseoksa:
1. Three-story Stone Pagoda (부석사 삼층석탑) - Treasure No. 249

This 526 cm high of 3-story stone pagoda was built during Unified Shilla Dynasty period. The pagoda has the double foundation. 

When the pagoda was dismantled for restoration in 1960, 

they found an empty space on the 3rd story that should have 

Sarira casket to enshrine relics, but it was being stolen...


There is no pagoda in the main courtyard in front of the Main Hall...

instead there are twin small stone pagodas in the lowest courtyard

2. Goryeo Sutra wood printing blocks  (부석사 고려목판 = Buseoksa Goryeo Gakpan )

Three kind of Daebanggwangbul Avatamsaka Sutra were engraved on these 634 woodblocks, which each line has 34  characters on it:

~ 40 volumes (122 blocks) of Avatmsaka Sutra Jeongwonbon

~ 60 volumes (239 blocks) of Jinbon

~ 80 volumes (273 blocks) of Jubon . 

These blocks are thought to have been made by importing scriptures from the Kitan people in the 13th to 14th century. This is an important relic as it is the only remaining wood blocks from the Kitan line. 

Daebanggwangbul Avatamsaka Sutra... (photo source) 

Woodblocks are being kept in Buseoksa's Library.

3. Buseoksa Buddhist Hanging Scroll (부석사 괘불)

This 9m x 6m was painted for Buseoksa Temple in 1684, making it one of the earliest of its kind. The figure at the center of the painting is Sakyamuni Buddha, who is preaching the Lotus Sutra on Mt. Gridhrakuta. In the upper part, a Buddha triad is shown preaching, with Vairocana in the middle, Bhaisajyaguru on the left, and Amitabha on the right. The latter two Buddhas also form another triad with Sakyamuni below, as the Buddhas of the three realms.

Buddhist Hanging Scroll 

This painting will be hang outside the courtyard if there's a celebration or congregation, otherwise it's stored in Museum. We didn't have chance to visit the museum, as it's closed on Monday.

4. Avatamsaka (화엄일승법계도 = 華嚴一乘法界圖)

The main essence is “One is all, all is one. One is identical to all. All is identical to one.” The Middle Way is the teaching of no distinction. That is, as all things do not have Self Nature, each one unites with the other without obstacles. Therefore, each one consists of elements of everything else. As each one involves all in each, there are no obstacles. In the realm of dependent origination, the unchanging does not exist and nothing has an independent nature. All individuals exist by and through each other and through the relationship of dependent origination. This is the world of dependent origination.

Avatamsaka (Flower-Garland Sutra)

The characteristics of dependent origination according to Uisang are the theory of “the revelation of Buddhahood,” in which all phenomena represent the Awakened One. The relationship of one and all is ultimately equal and is then further equalized to the rational world and to the world of varied phenomena. As far as the theory of the revelation of Buddhahood is concerned, all phenomena themselves are the Awakened One, everything implies a deeper meaning. Therefore, phenomenal identity can be considered to be a theory symbolizing the equality and the harmony of all of the components.

Monk Uisang solved the conflicts and the difficulties of worldly life through religious harmony and by reconciling the extremes based on this philosophy. (Source: Koreanbuddhism)

Monk Uisang explained the essence of the Huayan (화엄 = Hwaom) doctrine   

in this practical Haein-do (Ocean Seal Diagram), which consists of  210 
Chinese characters in an unbroken maze-like line with 51 angles.

"If you go through this diagram maze, you'll ended up at the same point where you started", Teacher Jeon told us... I tried few times from different points, and it really stopped at the same place. Amazing!

5. Flagpole Support (부석사 당간지주) - Treasure No. 255

We didn't notice this 428 cm flagpole support when we walked to Buseoksa. Only when Teacher Jeon showed us the photo of the flagpole, we remembered that we saw the similar flagpole outside Sosu Seowon (previously Suksusa Temple). 

He also highlighted that  flagpole support  is important to mark the temple site, to indicate the sect, to announce temple events, to hang different flags or banners, to commemorate the virtues of  Buddhisattva and to expel evil spirits and symbols of the temple being a sacred place of Dharma.

It's located between One Pillar Gate and 4 Heavenly Kings Gate

Buddha Statue sitting beside floating rock

It's time to say goodbye to this old temple that surrounded 

with so many treasures~!

to this wishing stones I whispered... "we're fated to be here, therefore till we meet again~!"

Really honor and thankful to Teacher Jeon from Korean Culture & Tourism Guide 

for sharing his knowledge and passionately explained every single details 

of this beautiful Buseoksa temple to us.

Now, I know that why they asked us whether we'd visited Buseoksa Temple... and we thought that we need to go to Buseoksa in order to take bus to Busan. Really thank you for this unforgettable trip to Buseoksa... to be frank, we were quite frustrated at first on our way to Buseoksa. 

But after explanation and knew so many stories in this temple, enjoying the spectacular and serene views after climbing up went up to Anyang Pavilion... yes, that's where all the troubles gone with the wind~~~ Just a grateful feeling that we arrived at the correct place to see with our own eyes of unbelievable and unexplained things in this temple, 1400 years old of Korean architecture that still standing charmingly,... We love Buseoksa Temple! 

신기하다~! 진짜 대박!!!

but, I'm really sorry too, as I don't have good memory ㅠㅠ

I just couldn't recall what are these 2 pictures about... I didn't record them.

Maybe something related to Lady Seonmyo? Another treasure?

If you're interested to know more about Buseoksa, you can read these blogs:

1. http://bit.ly/1rLh9de => Poems of Kim Sat Gat about the view from Anyang Pavilion and Teogye Yi 

    Hwang (when he was a magistrate of  Punggi  country) about Uisang's Seonbihwa Tree,...

2. http://bit.ly/1oevyxU => Goryeo Sutra wood printing blocks and Avatamsaka,...

Travel Info:

북도 영주시 부석면 부석사로 345

Yeongju Intercity Bus Terminal: Bus 27 or 55 to Buseoksa Temple

Punggi Station: Bus 27 to Buseoksa Temple. 

Adults: 1,200 won / Youths: 1,000 won / Children: 800 won 

Related Posts:

~ Legends of Buseoksa Temple (부석사)

~ Korean Buddhist Temple

~ Seonbichon Village (선비촌)

~ Sosu Seowon Confucian Academy (소수서원)

~ [Trazy] Buseoksa Temple (Seosan) (부석사 - 서산)