One spring day, three friends and I set off at 6 am to see four amazing spots in Korea. I know I must be a crazy waygook (foreigner) to be getting up this early on a weekend, but it is totally worth it for the great sights and even better company.
We headed to Gyeongju a city on the east side of the country to make the first stop at the biggest temple in Korea, Bulguksa. This temple is known for having the dabotap, the monument featured on the Korean ten-won coin. This stone pagoda stands three stories tall and has a statue of a lion on one side. I was told there used to be four lions, but when the Japanese invaded and took over, they stole three of them.
We headed to Gyeongju a city on the east side of the country to make the first stop at the biggest temple in Korea, Bulguksa. This temple is known for having the dabotap, the monument featured on the Korean ten-won coin. This stone pagoda stands three stories tall and has a statue of a lion on one side. I was told there used to be four lions, but when the Japanese invaded and took over, they stole three of them.
The second stop of the day took us to the Seoguram grotto. A Korean national treasure, this grotto has a Buddha statue that sits nearly six meters high and three meters wide. As you walk through the grotto, you see some statues surrounding Buddha. It’s not till you get to the center that you actually see the Buddha effigy. All the details and time that went into creating this work of art is truly amazing.
The third stop was Girimsa, a temple known for its three thousand Buddhas that reside in the main hall. These Buddhas look more Indian than East Asian, which is a unique feature because most of the Buddhas in Korea are distinctive to the artistic style of the peninsula.
The final stop was Golgulsa, a temple known for its martial arts monks. Every day they have two performances. I had the opportunity to attend the second performance. It was amazing! One of the first things I noticed about these performers was that two of them were foreigners. I couldn't help but be amazed at everything the performers were doing and also thought what a great opportunity for the foreigners to be at this temple and perform.
All in all it was a wonderful day with amazing friends and great sights to see.
Directions:
Bulguksa and Seoguram grotto: From Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station, take Subway Line 2 in the direction of Seongsu → At Euljiro 3(sam)- ga, transfer to Subway Line 3 in the direction of Ogeum → Get off at the Express Bus Terminal (Subway Line 3), Exit 2 (30min / 1,250 won) → At the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take the express bus for Gyeongju (Gyeongbuseon Line) → Get off at the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal (4hrs / 30,300 won) → Take Bus 10 or 11 from the bus stop across from the terminal → Get off at the Bulguksa bus stop* (40min / 1,200 won) → Take Bus 12 from the bus stop across from the Bulguksa bus stop → Get off at the Seokguram Grotto parking lot (20min / 1,500 won) → Go 550m to the ticket office of Seokguram Grotto
* Seokguram Grotto can also be reached by following the Tohamsan Mountain hiking trail up from the parking lot at the main entrance of Bulguksa Temple (1hr)
Girimsa: * Take the bus towards Gyeongju from Dong Seoul Terminal (7:00am - 00:00am, departs every 20min - 1hr/ est. travel time 4hr)
* Take city bus ftowards Gampo or Yangnam (#100 - departs every 20min/ #150 - departs every hour) >> Get off near Yangbuk-myeon Eoil-ri >> Take a taxi (Taxi fare is about 6,000 won)
Gogulsa: From Gyeongju Station or Gyeongju Bus Terminal, take the city but #100 or #150 to Andong three-way junction. The bus ride is about 1 hour. From there, walk about 15 minutes to Golgulsa. From Gyeongju Station or Gyeongju Bus Terminal, it’ll take about 50 minutes by taxi.
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