[TOURISM]Three must-see Silla treasures

Bulguksa - "Buddha Land" is the literal translation of Bulguksa, which houses seven of the country`s national treasures, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. In 1995, UNESCO added Bulguksa to its World Heritage List.

The temple, which was built in 528 A.D., is located in the southwest of Mt. Toham. It is the palace considered to be the center of Buddhism during the unified Silla period (668-935). The temple boasts an array of architectural wonders which best represent designs from that period of ancient Korea.

The temple has gone through a turbulent history when it was destroyed by fire during "Imjin Waeran," or the Japanese invasion of 1593. Prior to its destruction, the temple had existed and served as the main venue of Buddhist worship for more than 1,000 years.

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The best time to visit is during autumn when the leaves - turned vermillion red - enhance the scenic temple and its architecture. The imagery is stunning.



Girimsa - Another temple in Gyeongju worth a definite look is the Girimsa at the foot of Mt. Hamwol. This shrine to Buddhism was built in the 12th year of Queen Sundeok of Silla and served as one of the 31 head temples during the Joseon Dynasty. It was initially called Imjeongsa but the name was changed to Girimsa after its expansion by the monk, Wonhyo.

Within the precincts of the temple, various structures and stone carvings remain intact, including the famous Moktapji, which is a three-tier stone pagoda along with the Gunchil Buddha statue and Daejukgwangjeon. For those interested in ancient East Asian literature, Maewoldang might be of great interest. It is a shrine dedicated to Kim Si-seup who wrote "Geumosinhwa," the first novel written in Chinese characters.

Girimsa is also famous for the five types of drinking water labeled Gamrosu, Hwajeongsu, Janggunsu, Myeongansu and the Otaksu.



Seokguram Grotto - The Seokguram Grotto, which is considered part of the Bulguksa complex, stands four kilometers west of the temple on Mt. Toham.

Located 750 meters above sea level, the stone cave was first built by Kim Dae-sung, a chief minister of Silla during the reign of King Seongdeok, and completed under the rule of King Hyegong in 744 A.D.

In 1995, Seokguram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list together with Bulguksa.

The carved stones that make up the structural foundations of the grotto were stacked up into a dome-shaped cave bonded together from soil and clay. At the time of its conception, the temple carried the name Seokbulsa Temple. According to historical records, "the shrine was built like weaving silk out of stone." One of the most breathtaking Buddha statues on display at the temple is Bonjonbul. It is 3.5 meters in height and sits on a 1.34 meter tall lotus pedestal. The Buddha is known to represent the Seokgamoni Buddha, or the historic Buddha at the moment of enlightenment. The detail in the white granite sculpture with its intricately carved delicate lines and carefully crafted engravings makes it a brilliantly crafted sculpture.

Other notable stone wall engravings and sculptures on display inside the grotto are the eleven-faced Avalokitesvara that rests behind the Bonjonbul, Gamsil Jogaksang which is another variation of Buddha in a seated position which resembles Rodan`s thinking man sculpture, and the Statues of Deva Kings, which is also called Geumgangyeoksa and serves as a fierce guardian protecting the temple. The statue is situated on each side of the tower at the temple`s entrance gate. The guardian portrayed in the sculpture looks vicious with his flared eyebrows and open mouth with his fist clenched tightly in the air as if about to strike the evil spirits that try to enter the temple.

(kws@heraldm.com)