Oeosa Temple (오어사(포항))

16.9Km 2023-01-25

1 , Oeo-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-292-2083

Oeosa Temple in Unjesan Mountain is a place where the deep scent of Buddha can be felt with a lake that looks like a dragon wrapped around it and the strangely-shaped cliffs which harmonizes like an oriental painting. Oeosa Temple is a sacred place where the four great patriarchs of Silla were born. This temple was built during the reign of King Jinpyeong (579-632), the 26th ruler of Silla. It was originally called Hangsasa Temple, but when Great Master Wonhyo and Zen Master Hyegong practiced religious asceticism here, a contest was held to revive the fish in the stream with religious power. However, one of them did not survive, and the other did and swam vigorously.
So each argued that he himself saved the fish, so they called it Oeosa Temple by writing the characters 'O' and 'Eo.' Daeungjeon Hall has a hip-and-gable roof with three bays in the front and two in the side. It was rebuilt in the 17th year of King Yeongjo of the Joseon dynasty (1741). Around the temple, the beautiful natural scenery of Unjesan Mountain and the blue water of Oeoji are spectacular. Jajangam Hermitage can be seen on the rocky cliff, and Wonhyoam Hermitage can be seen to the west of Oeosa Temple. Daeungjeon Hall (Gyeongbuk cultural heritage) has a national treasure bell, Buddhist monk Wonhyo's hat, and many other relics.

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

17.3Km 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.

Golgulsa Temple (Gyeongju) (골굴사(경주))

17.5Km 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.

Gyeongju Yangdong Village [UNESCO World Heritage] (경주 양동마을 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

18.2Km 2022-11-08

134 , Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-762-2630

Gyeongju Yangdong Village is Korea’s largest traditional village, showcasing the traditional culture of the Joseon dynasty and the beautiful natural surroundings. Thanks to its many cultural heritages, including treasures, national treasures, and folklore materials, the entire village has been designated as a cultural heritage site. Many people have visited this village to see its wealth of cultural heritages and scenic surroundings, including King Charles III, who visited this village in 1993.

Seolchangsan Mountain and its four spines of mountains can be seen beyond the village. Approximately 160 old houses and 500-year-old thatched-roof cottages are nestled within the valley. Fifty-four of these homes are over 200 years old and have been excellently preserved in their original state, offering the opportunity to view a variety of unique traditional Korean houses in person.

Manbulsa Temple (Yeongcheon) (만불사(영천))

18.3Km 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.

Yeongil Bay Hot Springs (영일만온천)

18.3Km 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.

Hyangdan (향단)

18.5Km 2024-08-05

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.

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

19.0Km 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.

Oeosa Temple (오어사(포항)) - Area information - Korea travel information