Girimsa Temple (기림사)

12.2 Km 15060 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.

Yeongil Bay Hot Springs (영일만온천)

12.4 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.

Tomb of King Wonseong (경주 원성왕릉)

12.7 Km 12652 2020-04-04

139, Singyeipsil-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

The tomb of the King Wonseong, 38th king of the Silla Kingdom (785-798) in Oedong-eup, Wolseong-gun, Gyeongju is Historic Site No. 26. The tomb is 21.9m in diameter and 7.7m high and is encircled by a stone fence decorated with twelve oriental zodiac images. The area is also home to a number of stone monuments that stand facing each other: Hwapyoseok (marking the border of the tomb), Muninseok (civil servant statue), Muinseok (military officer image statue) and Dolsaja (a stone lion that protects the tomb). Muinseok in particular is a favorite among visitors because of its exotic appearance. The statue is sometimes compared to a strong and charismatic person of Arabic or Persian descendant, much like the merchants who came to Silla in ancient times.

Gwaereung is styled after tombs of the Tang dynasty, but still retains all the characteristics typical of Silla tombs; namely, the stones around the tomb, the 12 oriental zodiac figures, the protective walls, and the decorative stonework.

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

13.9 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.

Surime (수리뫼 [한국전통음식체험교육원])

14.0 Km 22568 2021-01-28

110-32, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-748-2507

Surime is a traditional Korean food experience center owned and operated by Park Mi-suk who studied under Hwang Hye-seong, holder of the Intangible Cultural Property No. 38, Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty. The institute operates various traditional cooking experience programs open to everyone. The institute shares the walls of the Choi family home, designated as a cultural asset, spanning over 1,652.89 ㎡ with well-preserved hanok structures built over 100 years ago.

Surime (수리뫼)

14.0 Km 10130 2019-11-21

110-32, Poseok-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-748-2507

Surime is surrounded by Gyeongju Namsan Mountain, a designated UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Surime serves royal cuisine from the Joseon dynasty, prepared by royal cuisine expert Park Misuk. All dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients grown in the Surime garden for a pure, natural taste. In addition to being a restaurant, guests can also participate in various food programs.

Golgulsa Temple (Gyeongju) (골굴사(경주))

14.0 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.

Yongsan Sashimi Restaurant (용산회식당)

14.1 Km 5070 2024-03-04

112 Poseok-ro, Naenam-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
054-748-2119

Situated near Cheollyongsa Temple in Gyeongju, Yongsan Hoe Restaurant is exclusively dedicated to hoedeopbap (raw fish bibimbap). Customers are served a generous portion of hoe (raw fish) over rice in a large brass bowl. The topping's hoe is freshly mixed with the catch of the day, varying seasonally with options like herring, grey mullet, gizzard shad, and plaice, all sourced from Guryongpo Port in Pohang. Due to its popularity, there is often a waiting line, so obtaining a numbered ticket to queue is recommended.

Tohamsan National Recreational Forest (토함산자연휴양림)

14.4 Km 37338 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.

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

14.4 Km 87901 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.

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