Girimsa Temple (기림사)

15.9Km 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)

16.7Km 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))

16.9Km 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.

Yeongil Bay Hot Springs (영일만온천)

17.3Km 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.

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

17.3Km 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.

Hyangdan (향단)

17.7Km 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.

Manbulsa Temple (Yeongcheon) (만불사(영천))

18.7Km 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.

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

19.2Km 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.

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

19.6Km 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.

Girimsa Temple (기림사) - Area information - Korea travel information