Gyeongju

Gyeongju, the capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 B.C. ~ 935 A.D.), is a living historical city. It is called a museum without a roof. There are plentiful cultural assets around the city and some ruins are registered as the World Heritages.

Built approximately 1500 years ago, Bulguksa Temple is not only a landmark historical site of Gyeongju but also a world class historical site as a UNESCO World Heritage along with the nearby Seokguram Grotto. The temple’s beauty and the aesthetic value of stone relics are acknowledged worldwide.

Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in the East, made during the period of Queen Seondeok (reign 632~647) of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ 935 A.D.).

 Dear My Friends,
Korean ancient palaces are almost in Seoul, but temples are everywhere in South Korea. So many foreign visitors who visit another city in Korea can experience the beauty of Korean traditional buildings. It is a good place to show the beauty of our traditional architecture. Our traditional architecture, a temple, has a few reasons that attract foreigners they are built in beautiful locations: on a peaceful mountain, or near a stream.

Our temples are little bit different to those of the Chinese, Japanese and other Asian countries. It has unique architecture; the so called Cheoma (the ceiling in the building, and its line is really beautiful and smooth), Dancheong, and Jibung (same as roof).

Bulguksa Temple is one of the most famous temples in South Korea. It is regarded as a masterpiece of Buddhist art, and was built in the 8th century during the Silla Kingdom period. You can see many traditional buildings there. In front of the main prayer hall, there stand two famous stone pagodas. They are both National Treasures. There is also a magnificent Buddha statue in a cave near the temple which is a World Heritage.

Dabotap Dabotap means the pagoda of many treasures. Standing on the right of the courtyard facing the main hall, it shows the artistic beauty of Silla culture. In comparison to the simple Seokgatap, it is highly decorative. It was so delicately carved that we say ‘Silla masons managed stones like clay.’ Seokgatap Seokgatap means the pagoda of Buddha. It stands on the left of the courtyard facing the main hall. This three story pagoda is admired for its simple and dignified design. It is considered Korea’s most typical stone pagoda. I’ll introduce one of the dialogues between me and my e pal, Sam, about Gyeongju.

Sam:Why is Bulguksa so famous? I heard that there are many temples in Korea. Is it the best temple in Korea?
Diane: Yes, I think so. It’s worth visiting. It is regarded as an outstanding example of Buddhist architecture. UNESCO designated it along with a cave temple nearby, as World Heritage. As you know, World Heritages are really worthy to visit!
Sam:When was the temple built?
Diane: It was originally built in the early 6th century in Gyeongju.
Sam: Oh, really? It sounds interesting. I thought that it was maybe built in about the 10th century!
Diane: No, that’s wrong. It was built in the 6th century and extended to its present state in the 8th century during the Unified Silla period.
Sam: Anyway, could you tell me about Gyeongju?
Diane: It was the capital city of the Silla Kingdom that lasted for almost one thousand years. Many remains of Silla are scattered around the city. Moreover, there’s a large resort for foreign tourists.
Sam: Then, is there a museum in Gyeongju? I want to visit there soon!
Diane: There is a National Museum in Gyeongju. Themuseum displays the remains of Silla period.

Sincerely, Da ye

* More information: http://www.gyeongju.go.kr/