Sinseonam Hermitage Rock-carved Bodhisattva in Namsan Mountain of Gyeongju (경주 남산 신선암 마애보살반가상)

8.3 Km 27996 2020-04-04

Namsan-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

This 1.4 m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period.

Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud, while the closed eyes on the plump face give the impression that he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching.

His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla dynasty.

Huewon [Korea Quality] / 휴원 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.3 Km 10427 2019-12-05

154, Chunghyoseoak-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-5651-1253

Huewon (休垣) Huewon is a cozy hanok guesthouse located in Seoak-dong, Gyeongju. Since Gyeongju had been the capital of the Silla Dynasty for about a thousand years, Huewon is surrounded by various cultural heritage sites such as Tomb of King Muyeol, Tomb of King Jinji, and Seoakseowon Confucian Academy with a serene atmosphere.
Built in the 1970s and renovated later, Huewon started its accommodations service around 2011. Entering the gate, one can see a square-shaped courtyard giving a very bright and warm impression, in the middle of which is an old beautiful magnolia tree that is popular among visitors.
The garden is well-arranged with flower trees and bonsai trees and decorated with vintage items such as an old well and a water pump. Behind the house, the surroundings along with the low-altitude Seondosan Mountain make for beautiful seasonal scenery.
This cozy and pleasant hanok house has been well-maintained with the will and care of the owner, preserving the traditional hanok features including columns, beams, and rafters of the ceiling that show traces of time past.
The guestrooms are bright and clean with a delicate fragrance. Aside from red clay walls and clean beddings, however, there are no other additional facilities such as BBQ set because the guesthouse seeks to offer guests a quiet, healthy, and stable environment.
The guesthouse’s host, who has lived in Gyeongju for about 30 years and has engaged in promoting Gyeongju’s cultural heritages, willingly recommends to guests special travel destinations in Gyeongju and tells stories about Gyeongju.
In particular, the way to Dobongseodang Village School located behind Huewon is highly recommended by the host. Going up to the village school early morning, one is treated to a fantastic open view of Gyeongju in the fog. Moreover, Namsan Mountain, nicknamed Outdoor Museum since it is full of various Buddhist statues and towers here and there, is another recommended destination near the guesthouse.

GyeongjuCheonnyeonhanok Pension [Korea Quality] / 경주천년한옥펜션 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.4 Km 9165 2020-09-09

86-61, Sidong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-9898-3995

Cheonnyeon Hanok Pension, located in Sirae-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was newly opened in April 2014. The owner discovered this geomantically ideal site, with a mountain to its rear and a river to its front, and constructed a 238m2 hanok on a 1,778m2 plot of land. The hanok is a ‘ㄱ’-shaped structure consisting of two floors above ground, with the guest accommodation situated on the first floor. The pension was named ‘Cheonnyeon Hanok’ to represent the owner’s wish that the house be preserved for over a thousand years (“cheon nyeon”). It is set amid a beautiful landscape and commands an open view of the nearby pine grove, a large pond, fields, and Tohamsan Mountain. The house is built of pine wood and red clay, and features an eco-friendly geothermal floor heating system and double-layered doors to keep out drafts. Although the outer yard is covered with gravel, the spacious grassy inner courtyard of the bonchae building is equipped with benches, and serves as both a playground for children and a relaxing space for adult guests. The garden is notable for its well-tended flowers and trees. The pension has 6 guestrooms including four single rooms (23m2); one room (29m2) with a numaru (upper floor) that can accommodate 3 to 5 people; and a two-room (46m2) suite that can accommodate 4 to 10 people. Maehwa-bang (single room) is characterized by rafters and a ‘井’-framed ceiling; Mogryeon-bang (two rooms) is a large guestroom that can accommodate two to three families, and has a sliding door in the middle for convenient use of the space; and Yeonggot-bang has an upper floor equipped with a BBQ facility. Large family groups tend to rent the Yeonggot-bang and an additional room. Other guests can also use the separate BBQ site in the courtyard. (Grill and charcoal: KRW 15,000 per 4 persons) Each room has a pleasant, clean interior and is equipped with a TV, fridge, air-conditioner, bathroom, sink, electric rice cooker, kettle, induction plaque, and Internet. The pension boasts a beautiful nighttime view of Joyang Reservoir, Tohamsan Mountain, and a pavilion of Bulguksa Temple. Guests can enjoy fishing in the reservoir and walking up the low mountain or strolling along the path through the pine grove. The pension also offers various folk games including Tuho (Arrow-throwing), Jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock game), Yunnori (traditional Korean board game) and kite-flying free of charge. In addition, it is close to a number of Gyeongju’s major tourist attractions including Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, and is only 20 minutes’ drive from Gampo, Jusangjeolli Cliff, and the Royal Tomb of King Muyeol. Cheonnyeon Hanok Pension is particularly popular among families and groups.

Gyeongju Namsan Mountain (경주 남산)

8.5 Km 64149 2024-02-27

Namsan Mountain of Gyeongju (경주 남산)
+82-54-771-7142

Namsan Mountain of Gyeongju is a 466-meter mountain located south of the Gyeongju city center. Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla dynasty (BC 57-AD 935) from its inception to its end. The Silla people revered this mountain, considering it sacred, and left many traces of their presence, resulting in numerous cultural relics that still exist today. Therefore, visitors can enjoy both hiking and cultural heritage sightseeing on this mountain.

Bulguksa Hanok Farm Stay [Korea Quality] / 불국사한옥팜스테이 [한국관광 품질인증]

8.5 Km 1 2022-04-06

5-52, Jinti-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-5489-1742

Bulguksa Hanok Farm Stay is an accommodation that offers many programs located right below Bulguksa Temple in Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. There is a total of four guest rooms. Every guest room has a bathroom and a kitchen inside. You can also cook in the rooms as they are equipped with cooking appliances such as a rice cooker, microwave, and electric stove. Ouga is a double-story unit, and the guest rooms on the first floor and the second floor are rented separately. On the first floor, there is an ondol room big enough for four people, and the ondol room on the second floor is big enough for three people and has a nice view. Both rooms have a terrace where guests can enjoy a barbecue grill. Bogyeonga also has two guest rooms that are rented separately. All of the rooms are ondol type rooms. In the Bogyeonga building, only room 1 has a double-story structure. Guests staying in the Bogyeonga building can have a barbecue grill in the terrace. A well-maintained garden is surrounding the hanok building, and there is also a 1,000-square-meter foot volleyball court in the lawn. A unique benefit of staying in Bulguksa Hanok Farm Stay is that you can participate in farming programs. You can pick apples from 400 apple trees on the farm. You can also participate in various programs themed on the food crops grown in the farm, including persimmon, quince, blueberry, lettuce, and tomato. Nearby tourist attractions include Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Bomun Tourist Complex, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae, and Woljeonggyo Bridge in Gyeongju. California Beach (water park) is also closeby.

Gyeongju Bae-dong Samneung Royal Tombs (경주 배동 삼릉)

8.5 Km 24055 2020-04-06

Bae-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100

Samneung meaning "three royal tombs," has strong ties to history. The three royal tombs house three kings of the Silla Kingdom: King Adala (8th King of the dynasty), King Sindeok (53rd) and King Gyeongmyeong (54th).

King Adala, who cared deeply for his people, went to war after his citizens were abducted by the invaders of Baekje. But when Baekje asked for a peace treaty, King Adala released the prisoners he took during the engagement. During his rulling, a kingdom in Japan sent an envoy to ask for friendly relations with Silla. King Adala’s tomb is 58m in circumference at the base, 5.4m in x_height and 18m in diameter.

When King Hyogong died without any heirs, the people of the kingdom crowned his son-in-law as their next king – King Sindeok. During his reign, King Sindeok devoted himself to protecting his kingdom from invasions by Gyeonhwon and Gungye. The royal tomb is 61m in circumference at the base, 5.8m in x_height and 18m in diameter. It was robbed twice, inviting investigations in 1953 and 1963. The investigations revealed the tomb to be a chamber made of stone.

King Gyeongmyeong, the son of King Sindeok, together with Wanggeon, the founder of the Goryeo dynasty, successfully defeated Gyeonhwon’s attack against Daeyaseong Fortress. During his reign, he attempted to establish diplomatic relations with the Hudang dynasty of China, but was unsuccessful. The tomb is 50m in circumference at the base, 4.5m in x_height and 16m in diameter.

Gyeongju Tomb of King Muyeol, Stele of King Taejong Muyeol (경주 무열왕릉, 태종무열왕릉비)

8.6 Km 21355 2022-08-18

10-4, Neungnam-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-750-8614

The Tomb of King Muyeol is the tomb of Kim Chun-chu, who acsended to the throne as King Muyeol (r. 654-661), the 29th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The tomb is located at the southwestern foot of Seondosan Mountain in Gyeongju. As king, he sought to unify the three kingdoms by allying forces with China's Tang dynasty, but passed away before he could successfully accomplish his goal. His tomb is relatively large, reaching a x_height of 8.7 meters, and having a circumference of 114 meters. Originally made with large stones, the tomb has been covered in dirt and grass with the passing of time. To the east of the grave are the remains of his stele with an inscription that reads “Taejong Muyeol Daewangjibi (Tombstone of the Great King Muyeol)," indicating the owner of this grave.

Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto [UNESCO World Heritage] (경주 석굴암 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

8.7 Km 137981 2023-08-24

873-243, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-746-9933

Seokguram Grotto was constructed by Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom. Located 3 kilometers away by hiking trail and 9 kilometers by car from Bulguksa Temple, the grotto was designed very harmoniously with the seated Buddha facing the East Sea. It is a valuable cultural heritage that is preserved and registered as a UNESCO World Heritage on December 6, 1995.

Coffee Myungga Bosque (커피명가보스케)

9.8 Km 0 2024-02-23

477-57 Yongdam-ro, Hyeongok-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located near Seogyeongju Station, Coffee Myungga Bosque is notable for its unique and beautiful exterior, which received the Gyeongsangbuk-do Architectural Culture Award in 2020. The café's signature coffee, Myunggaccino, is renowned for its rich flavor, achieved by roasting and brewing the beans in-house. Additionally, the café offers a variety of breads, including maneulppang (garlic bread) and croissants, catering to diverse tastes.

Tomb of King Wonseong (경주 원성왕릉)

10.6 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.

Sinseonam Hermitage Rock-carved Bodhisattva in Namsan Mountain of Gyeongju (경주 남산 신선암 마애보살반가상) - Area information - Korea travel information