Welcome to Gyeongju — UNESCO world cultural heritage list- Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Transportation Guide
Reaching the various Silla Historical monuments and sites at Gyeongju region can be easily done via KTX train to Singyeongju Station. There are many blogs that only suggest ways of reaching the attractions via Gyeongju station. But everybody, you can now do so by alighting at the fairly newly-built Singyeongju station.There is also a tourist information counter at Singyeongju station, so fear not if you have any queries.
So after reaching Singyeongju station, there is a bus stop right outside. From there take bus no. 700 which brings you to almost all the major attractions in Gyeongju from Anapji Pond, to the Bomunho Lake and the Bulguksa Temple.
Anapji Pond is located nearby other attractions like Cheomseongdae Observatory, Gyerim Forest etc. and can be easily accessible on foot.
This is where you take the bus outside Singyeongju Station.
Bus 700 is fairly fast so you don't have to wait long. I gave coins for the fees but I later learnt that I can actually use T-money card too -__-|||
There is an audio announcement and audio signage on the bus to indicate where each bus stop is, so it's fairly easy.
I first took the bus to Bulguksa Temple and from there you can take another bus no.12 up to Seokguram Grottto. I spent one day visiting these 2 places....
1st stop Bulguksa Temple~~
Pretty Blossoms greeting visitors on the vast garden plot in April.
How do you know what you are looking at.... ? Download the smart tour guide apps from Korea Tourism Organization (KTO)!!
I used the 'Silla History Tour' app on my iPhone and it proves to be so useful. As you walk by the various spots, click on the map in the app and listen to its history and symbolism.
Time to make your trip a smart and fulfilling one.
Download the contents in advance to reduce the use of data roaming on your phone.
Source: Korea Tourism Organization
Let's go in to Bulgkusa Temple
This is the main building of the temple- Daewungjeon
Dabo Pagoda which represents the Dabo Buddha
Saw the dragon biting the fish in its mouth below on the architecture?
This is unusual and symbolizes the wakefulness of Sakyamuni Buddha to save the people from the world.
Museolijeon Hall
Doltabs.... many of these stones stacked up were found in the temple, they symbolize wishes and prayers.
More blossoms outside the temple....... ^^ Big Love
there are many that are still not in bloom? or have they fallen?
I can't stop taking photos of the blossoms..... hee
Gondalbi bibimbap.... one of the best I have eaten.
Each set costs a whopping 9000Won and can be found at shops lining outside the temple.
The pricing is probably also due to the fact that this area is a tourists attraction.
After lunch, I headed to Seokguram Grotto, another UNESCO site.
Hopped onto bus no.12 right across the street from Bulguksa, it's a straight route right up to the grotto and took about 20 minutes or so.
Below are the bus schedules....
Hiking the way up.... beautiful scenery ... remember to breathe in the fresh air..... beautiful lanterns hanging along the way
Many students were there as part of school excursions
See the little lone tiled building below? That's the exterior of the grotto.
The grotto is surrounded by wodden structures which are designed to protect it from erosive powers of rain and wind. The Seokguram is placed at a high altitude overlooking the sea and reflects Silla people's wish that it would shine on the country like the morning sun.
More stairs to climb before reaching the grotto. In Buddhism, stairs symbolize agonies of life.
A Grotto refers to a temple built in a cave to help Buddhist monks stay cool while mediating in summer and originated from India. But this 1200 years old grotto was built combining the concept from India and the dome-style roof from the west, integrated with Silla's unique architectural techniques.
Unfortunately, no photography was allowed inside and so you have to be there to see it for yourself the magnificent Seokguram Grotto...
Many beautiful lanterns were seen in preparation for the Buddhist's Birthday Festival in May....
huge huge crowds everywhere... this is such a popular educational excursion spot.... ^^
At the entrance.......
the main gate of Seokguram Grotto
Bye for now..... stay tuned for more of my Korea Spring posts..........
2 comments
Both Bulguksa and Seokguram are very beautiful in spring! Thanks for sharing the story.
ReplyDeleteHello! I came across your blog about your solo travels in Gyeongju while I was searching some information. I'm going to be heading there but like you, I am a female travelling solo. I just wanted to ask if you have any recommendations on accommodation. Thanks!
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