Gyeongju Golgulsa Temple (골굴사(경주))

14.9Km 2025-05-21

101-5 Girim-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Golgulsa Temple is a temple located within the Hamwolsan Mountain, situated between Gyeongju City and the East Sea. With a history of over 1,500 years, it houses many Buddha statues preserved within its twelve grottoes. Maintaining the tradition of Korean Buddhism's practice of Seonmudo, visitors can witness Seonmudo performances. Additionally, there are templestay programs available, offering opportunities to experience Korean temple culture.

Girimsa Temple (기림사)

15.0Km 2022-12-29

437-17, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-2292

Girimsa Temple is located in Hamwolsan Mountain in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla Era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.

Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called Imjeongsa at first, but was later changed to Girimsa after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.

Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.

Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.
On the way to Girimsa temple is Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.

Chisanseowon Confucian Academy (치산서원)

15.8Km 2020-02-05

7, Chisullyeong-gil, Dudong-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-204-0324

Relics of Park Jesang is also referred to as Chisanseowon Confucian Academy.

Park Jesang, a descendent of Park Hyeokgeose, was severly tortured and then burned to death after rescuing two hostages taken by Japan, who were the brothers of King Nulji.

The nearby temple and Mangbuseok have a folk tale regarding the story. His wife and two daughters died waiting for him and then his wife is said to have turned into Mangbuseok (faithful wife stone) in the eastern Chisullyeong Mountain in Manhwa-ri, Dudong-myeon. According to the legend, her spirit became a bird, and flew away to hide behind Euneulam (Bird Hidden Rock).

After Park Jesang's couragous act, King Nulji gave him a loyal officers position as well as the role of godmother to his wife for her model behavior of wifely duty. Chisanseowon Confucian Academy keeps their ancestral tablets to honor royalty.

Oeosa Temple (오어사(포항))

18.3Km 2023-01-25

1 , Oeo-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-292-2083

Oeosa Temple in Unjesan Mountain is a place where the deep scent of Buddha can be felt with a lake that looks like a dragon wrapped around it and the strangely-shaped cliffs which harmonizes like an oriental painting. Oeosa Temple is a sacred place where the four great patriarchs of Silla were born. This temple was built during the reign of King Jinpyeong (579-632), the 26th ruler of Silla. It was originally called Hangsasa Temple, but when Great Master Wonhyo and Zen Master Hyegong practiced religious asceticism here, a contest was held to revive the fish in the stream with religious power. However, one of them did not survive, and the other did and swam vigorously.
So each argued that he himself saved the fish, so they called it Oeosa Temple by writing the characters 'O' and 'Eo.' Daeungjeon Hall has a hip-and-gable roof with three bays in the front and two in the side. It was rebuilt in the 17th year of King Yeongjo of the Joseon dynasty (1741). Around the temple, the beautiful natural scenery of Unjesan Mountain and the blue water of Oeoji are spectacular. Jajangam Hermitage can be seen on the rocky cliff, and Wonhyoam Hermitage can be seen to the west of Oeosa Temple. Daeungjeon Hall (Gyeongbuk cultural heritage) has a national treasure bell, Buddhist monk Wonhyo's hat, and many other relics.

Dori Village Ginkgo Tree Forest (도리마을은행나무숲)

19.1Km 2024-11-01

35-102 Do-ri, Seo-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A thick forest formed by densely planted ginkgo trees. In the fall, the golden ginkgo leaves color the forest. Noted as a wedding photo shoot hotspot, it's where Kang-ho found the twins' bouncy ball. As you wander through the village, read the beautiful phrases written on the walls, and capture a perfect shot amidst the ginkgo forest.

Gyeongju Golgulsa Temple (골굴사(경주)) - Area information - Korea travel information