I’ve been running this blog now for almost 3 months and it’s nearly criminal I’ve not said anything yet about Mt. Namsan (남산) as I think it’s one of the coolest things about Gyeongju. Mt. Namsan’s not nearly as tall as some of the mountains around here (just under 500 meters actually) but what makes [...]
Browsing the archives for the Temples & shrines category
6 Feb 10
26 Jan 10
Though it’s not quite Korea’s answer to the Shaolin Monastery of China, Golgulsa Temple (골굴사) is one of the more unique temples in the Gyeongju area and it’s pretty darn cool. If you’re on your way over to King Munmu’s tomb (문무대왕릉) on the East Coast, it’s well worth taking an hour or so to [...]
22 Dec 09
I heard some rather sad news when I got home today. It seems that Hyangiram (향일암), literally “Sunrise Hermitage”, in Yeosu burned down last night. I used to live in Gwangyang, near Yeosu and first visited Hyangiram back in ’02. I’ve been there twice since and I think it is (or sadly was) one of [...]
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Posted in Buddhist culture, News, Outside Gyeongju, Temples & shrines
Tagged architecture, Buddhism, fire, News, temples, Wonhyo
Tagged architecture, Buddhism, fire, News, temples, Wonhyo
19 Dec 09
If you look South-East from the ruins of Banwolseong fortress towards Mt. Namsan, you might see something a bit curious. Just across the Namcheon River in the little neighborhood of Gyo-dong is huge gold Buddha. It’s seated in the front courtyard of Nakch’eonwonsa (낙천원사), or literally “Optimistic Moon Temple.” It’s probably one of the newest [...]
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Posted in Buddhist culture, Gyo-dong, Restaurants, Temples & shrines, Tips for tourists
Tagged architecture, Buddhism, Gyodong, Korean food, Restaurants, sights to see, temples
Tagged architecture, Buddhism, Gyodong, Korean food, Restaurants, sights to see, temples
27 Nov 09
Sure, in Gyeongju Mt. Namsan (남산) has the lion’s share of ancient Shilla (신라) statues and carvings, so it’s well worth taking the time to explore if you can. But the truth is, most of the surrounding mountains have atl east one ancient Buddha that’s pretty cool. Plus the other mountains aren’t crawling with hiking clubs [...]
14 Nov 09
Ok, so even though it’s over 6 months away, I’ve got to say something about my favorite Korean holiday: Buddha’s Birthday (Seoktanil). On the night of Buddha’s Birthday, most major temples hold a lantern parade. I’ve had the pleasure of catching it at several Buddhist temples over the years and I have to say it’s one of the coolest things I’ve experienced here in Korea.
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Posted in Buddhist culture, Bulguk-dong, Temples & shrines, Tips for tourists
Tagged Buddhism, Bulguksa, fesitvals, holidays, temples, video
Tagged Buddhism, Bulguksa, fesitvals, holidays, temples, video
11 Nov 09
Walking through the gates here feels a bit like stepping back in time. The calmness of the atmosphere never fails to move me and if you can catch it now when the gingko trees are bright yellow, it’s just magic. It’s a fairly large complex of buildings, so feel free to nose a round a bit. The only part that’s not usually open to the public is the back part which I assume is only open for ceremonial holidays.
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Posted in Hwangnam-dong, Temples & shrines, Tips for tourists
Tagged architecture, Confucianism, downtown, shrines, sights to see
Tagged architecture, Confucianism, downtown, shrines, sights to see
