Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple (경주 골굴암 마애여래좌상)

17.9 Km 19106 2022-12-28

101-5, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-1689

The Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple consists of a Maebul (a Buddha carved in a cliff) at the very top of 12 Buddha images carved in natural rock caves located in a steep cliff of Girimsa Valley. A painting of the caving titled "Golgulseokgul" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous painter of the era, revealed that there was once a wooden room located in front of the Maebul, but today only a hint of the room remains on the rock. The head of the Buddha (Yukgye) is perched solid and high on the body with a clear profile of the face – sharp eyes, small lips and a long and narrow nose. In contrast to the three-dimensional face, the body is broader and flatter. The neck and upper chest sections have eroded over time. The folds in the clothing are nearly parallel, and the arm area has a v-pattern wrinkle, giving it a more realistic and three-dimensional quality. Around the head of the Buddha is a lotus-shaped halo, while the body is surrounded by a rhythmic flame-like halo. The Maebul is believed to have been created during the late Unified Silla Kingdom, as it shows similar craftsmanship to Seated Stone Vairocana Buddha (National Treasure), which was created in the year 876 and is located in Chukseosa Temple.

Hyangdan [Korea Quality] / 향단 [한국관광 품질인증]

18.0 Km 42644 2023-09-05

121-83 , Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-6689-3575

Hyangdan in Yangdong Village, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a grand old house designated as a national treasure, having been built by King Jungjong for the elderly mother of his courtier Yi Eonjeok. Much of the original 99-kan house was destroyed during the Korean War and the rest converted to a guesthouse. Visitors can stay in the anchae, haengnangchae and an annexe - which all appear to be different x_heights because of the upward slope of the site. Various experience programs are offered: woodblock printing, a tea ceremony, natural dyeing, and traditional etiquette.

Golgulsa Temple (Gyeongju) (골굴사(경주))

18.1 Km 51272 2024-02-27

101-5 Girim-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Golgulsa Temple is a temple located within the Hamwolsan Mountain, situated between Gyeongju City and the East Sea. With a history of over 1,500 years, it houses many Buddha statues preserved within its twelve grottoes. Maintaining the tradition of Korean Buddhism's practice of Seonmudo, visitors can witness Seonmudo performances. Additionally, there are templestay programs available, offering opportunities to experience Korean temple culture.

Dolhalame Wishing Stone (Yeongcheon) (돌할매(영천))

18.2 Km 32873 2024-02-23

417 Gwan-ri, Bugan-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Dolhalmae Wishing Stone, held in high esteem by locals for centuries, is believed to possess fortune-telling properties. Legend has it that if one attempts to lift the stone with both hands and succeeds, the wish will not materialize; however, if the stone remains immovable, the wish is destined to come true. This oval-shaped stone, measuring 25 centimeters in diameter and weighing approximately 10 kilograms, is the centerpiece of Dolhalmae Park, which also features various sculptures. Nearby, visitors can explore additional attractions such as Manbulsa Temple and Dogyeseowon Confucian Academy.

Yeongil Bay Hot Springs (영일만온천)

18.3 Km 22503 2020-03-18

21, Unje-ro 386beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-285-0101

The construction of this huge hot spring complex started in Yeongil Bay in 1988 after it was found that Yeongil Bay has the highest geothermal heat in Korea while drilling for oil in 1974.

The water’s main ingredients contain healthy minerals such as calcium, natrium, fluorine, magnesium, chlorine, sulfuric acid, fluorine, zinc, germanium and radium. Yeongil Bay Hot Springs maintains its water with alkali bicarbonate at a pH of 9.43. The temperature of the water is somewhat low though at 35℃.

The hot springs help to recover from fatigue, to help beauty care, anti-aging, neuralgia, heart disease, and liver functions. The water here also has a very unique texture.

Oksanseowon Confucian Academy [UNESCO World Heritage] (옥산서원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

19.4 Km 16674 2023-04-17

216-27, Oksanseowon-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-762-6567

Oksanseowon Confucian Academy was built to commemorate the academic achievements and virtues of Confucian scholar Yi Eon-jeok (1491-1553). It was founded in 1572, the fifth year of King Seonjo’s reign, and received its current name the following year. It was one of the 47 Confucian academies that was ruled out from the Confucian academy abolition order made by Heungseon Daewongun. Although the building structures do not carry significant meaning in architectural aspect, the distinguished space arrangement of the buildings is hard to go unnoticed. Dokrakdang Hall, which was Yi Eon-jeok’s vacation annex as well as his study room, is situated 700 meters away to the north from Oksanseowon.

Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple (경주 골굴암 마애여래좌상) - Area information - Korea travel information