Coolest Places in Korea
Kyungju City and its Historical Significance
The legends of ancient Shilla echo across the time leaving a legacy of beauty and mystery in the valleys surrounding
Kyungju. Kyungju is an ancient capital where kings and queens reigned for almost a millennium. The achievements of
the Shilla people and their devotion to Buddha are evident in the stone images carved on cliff walls and the other
stone monuments found throughout the area. Kyungju Valley, the cradle of Shilla culture and the capital of Kyungju
City from 57 B.C. to 935 A.D., is located in a geographically secluded basin between Taegu and Pusan Freeway. Royal
tombs, withered stone pagodas, Buddhist relief, and fortress ruins are scattered around the vicinity of this ancient
city. Many of the famous unique sculptures from Korea's early Buddhist heritage can be found off the beaten trails
and tourist haunts. Recently, the Government has started to develop the Kyungju region into an outdoor museum. So,
many other popular sites can be visited with ease over paved roads. Kyungju is Korea's "culture city" and,
for anyone truly interested in delving further into Korean antiquities, a visit to this ancient capital is
essential. The National Museum of Kyungju contains some of the country's finest treasures. Between 1973 and 1975,
several Shilla tombs were excavated under government supervision. Gold art treasures including crowns, pendants and
jewelry were brought to light and are now to be seen in the museums of Kyungju and Seoul. A birch-bark saddle guard,
decorated with a painting of a white horse, was discovered in near-perfect condition in a sixth century royal tomb.
The Unified Shilla era has carried the Korean culture to an unprecedented height. T'ang was one of the most
brilliant and prosperous dynasties in all Chinese history, and Shilla's close relationship with T'ang was fruitful
both politically and culturally. The Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) relates that the capital city of
Shilla was copied from that of the T'ang with rows of avenues and streets crossing at right angles. All the houses
within the city walls were roofed with tile. The estimated population of the capital was one million inhabitants,
about nine times the size of today's Kyungju (pop. 110,000). A visit to the ruins can provide the tourist with some
idea of the magnificence of city's art and culture.
Pulguksa Temple
Located only a few miles away from Kyongju city is the largest and the most imposing Buddhist temple complex in the
area. The Pulguksa Temple was constructed back in 751 A.D. To enter, you must go through massive gates over carved
granite stairways. The bridges, stairs, terraces and two famous pagodas date the time of construction, although the
wooden buildings in the complex have been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries. The most
recent restoration took place in the 1970s and duplicated the exact appearance of the temple.
Sokkuram Grotto
Built on the mountain above Pulguksa is Sokkuram Grotto housing one of the world's most impressive dedications to
Buddha. Dated to be as old as Pulguksa Temple, the grotto was deserted and ignored by all except for the local
people for centuries. Then when it was "rediscovered" in the 20th century, its great granite Buddha and the masterly
bas-relief of guardian figures were proclaimed as the height of East Asian Buddhist art. Placement of the grotto
with its domed roof is considered an outstanding engineering feat. A winding road through a scenic forest and
numerous hiking paths lead to the site where the huge seated Buddha gazes toward the sea on the distant horizon.
Ch'omsongdae (Observatory )
One of the best-known Korea's historic remains is Ch'omsongdae, an observatory near Panwolsong Fortress and Kyerim
Grove. Built during the reign of Queen Sondok in 634 A.D., this structure is considered the oldest observatory in
the Far East.
Punhwangsa Pagoda
Listed as a national treasure, this stone-block pagoda located on the grounds of Punhwangsa Temple ruins is, along
with Ch'omsongdae, the oldest structure in Korea.
Tomb of Kim Yu-shin
Several Shilla tombs have zodiac animals carved in relief, but the tomb of General Kim Yu-shin is regarded as the
finest. Kim Yu-shin, Shilla's greatest general, served under King Muyol and his son Munmu in the 7th century and
played an important role in unifying the peninsula under Shilla. This tomb is located a short distance west of
Kyungju city. The stone fence surrounding the mound was reconstructed in 1976.
Pomun Lake Resort
It's a major tourist complex about 15-minute drive from Kyungju City. Pomun Lake has 4 super deluxe hotels, shopping
center, dining facilities, golf course, tennis courts, luxurious cruise rides, and swimming pools. Shuttle bus and
taxi services are available connecting the downtown Kyungju to the resort area.
Back
Copyright © Netspace 1999, All rights reserved.
