The Oriental Medicine Resort: Chorakdang (한방테마파크 초락당)

13.4Km 2025-01-07

44-34, Gyemyeong-ro, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-264-8001

Opened in 2001, Chorakdang is a health resort that specializes in Oriental medicine treatments. The resort offers the perfect setting for rest, relaxation, and medical treatments. The traditional hanok buildings and natural surroundings intensify the health benefits of the resort.

Dori Village Ginkgo Tree Forest (도리마을은행나무숲)

14.8Km 2025-10-28

35-102 Do-ri, Seo-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A thick forest formed by densely planted ginkgo trees. In the fall, the golden ginkgo leaves color the forest. Noted as a wedding photo shoot hotspot, it's where Kang-ho found the twins' bouncy ball. As you wander through the village, read the beautiful phrases written on the walls, and capture a perfect shot amidst the ginkgo forest.

Tohamsan National Recreational Forest (토함산자연휴양림)

15.4Km 2021-04-08

1208-45, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-750-8700

Tohamsan National Recreational Forest, located in Gyeongju, is in close vicinity of major attractions such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto. Visitors can enjoy the culture as well as relaxing in a peaceful nature.

Girimsa Temple (기림사)

16.8Km 2022-12-29

437-17, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-2292

Girimsa Temple is located in Hamwolsan Mountain in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla Era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.

Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called Imjeongsa at first, but was later changed to Girimsa after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.

Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.

Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.
On the way to Girimsa temple is Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.

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

17.2Km 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.

Gyeongju Golgulsa Temple (골굴사(경주))

17.5Km 2025-05-21

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.

Manbulsa Temple (Yeongcheon) (만불사(영천))

18.5Km 2024-02-23

857-5 Goji-ri, Bugan-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Situated on Manbulsan Mountain in Yeongcheon-si, Manbulsa Temple is renowned for housing the largest collection of Buddha statues in Korea. The temple is also celebrated for actively promoting modern Buddhism, culture, and welfare. Notable features within the temple grounds include the towering 33-meter Yeongcheon Great Amitabha Buddha, the revered five Buddha's jinsin saris and Bodhi trees from Sri Lanka, the resonant Manbul Brass Temple Bell, and the main sanctuary, Manbulbojeon Hall. Nearby attraction include Dogyeseowon Confucian Academy, Dolhalmae Wishing Stone, and Nogye Sibi (Monument Inscribed with a Poem of Pak Inro), offering a rich cultural and historical exploration.

Hyangdan (향단)

19.2Km 2025-03-24

121-83 Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, 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. It is a 500-year-old hanok building that now operates as a lodging facility for guests who are looking for a good night's rest in a cozy traditional atmosphere.

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

19.4Km 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.

The Oriental Medicine Resort: Chorakdang (한방테마파크 초락당) - Area information - Korea travel information