Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Girimsa Temple is located in Mount Hamwolsan 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. The 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 the Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage (monastery) 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.* Major Cultural Properties Lacquered Seated Mercy Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple (Treasure No. 415)Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No. 833)Sojo Birojana Samjonbul (Treasure No. 958)Sutras kept inside the Vairocana Buddha of Girimsa (Treasure No. 959) 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

The Museum of Old Roads (Former Mungyeongsaejae Museum) offers the history of traditional roads and routes in Korea. In the past, Mungyeongsaejae was a transportation hub for the people of Korea, particularly during the Joseon Period. Mungyeongsaejae is home to Haneuljae (one of the oldest roads in Korea, first established in 156 AD), Tokkibiri (a famous trade route), and Yugok Station (a transport hub in the Yeongnam area).Even though the importance of the roads as travel routes has diminished over time, they continue to increase in culture significance, conveying the area’s rich traditional heritage to visitors. The Museum of Old Roads was opened in 2009 after having been remodeled from the Mungyeongsaejae Museum, which mainly dealt with local history.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)

The Sangju Bicycle Museum has a large collection of bicycles of all types and sizes, and from all over the world. On the first floor, bicycles are arranged in the order of production year and model. On the second floor, a special exhibition is set up to show the history of bicycles in Korea. Finally, the museum runs a free bicycle rental in the yard outside the main building.    


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Ontrepieum, meaning "to bloom flowers in a garden," is situated in Andong's Cultural Tourism Complex. With an area of approximately 30,000 ㎡, it consists of a 1,500-㎡ tropical green house, a 6,600-㎡ herb garden, farming land, an animal performance theater, a nature experience section, and other areas. The tropical greenhouse features tropical and subtropical plants, including herbs, coffee and palm trees. Over 17,000 trees planted in the park, along with its water fountain and photo zones, make it the perfect place for a fun weekend getaway, not to mention that it has been used as a filming location. It is a fantastic place to take some photos with a unique feel. The Andong Cultural Tourism Complex also has a couple of attractions nearby, including a KBS studio, the Korea Folk Museum, the Water Museum and Arts and Crafts Museum.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Bongnae Waterfall is three-tiered with a x_height of 25 meters. The flowing, cool water brings a slight chill to the area surrounding the falls, especially in summer. As a major tourist attraction, Bongnae Waterfall is also the only source of drinking water for residents in Ulleung-eup. Most of the water used in restaurants and inns in Ulleung-eup come from Bongnae Waterfall.Two sites near the falls are well worth visiting: Punghyeol (natural air vents from which cool subterranean air blows) and the Forest Retreat. Punghyeol is located between Jeodong-ri and Bongnae Waterfall. During the peak of summer, chilly winds of about 4 Degrees Celsius blow from the rock openings and is often known as the “natural air-conditioner”. Next to Punghyeol is a thick forest of cedar, which makes a wonderful vacation spot during summertime.※ Note: This area is restricted due to unexpected incidents of landfall. Visitors are strongly advised to check for up-to-date information on unrestricted areas and accessible time from the official website or via phone-inquiry. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Bongjeongsa Temple was built in the 12th year of King Munmu, who ruled the Silla Kingdom from 661 to 681. According to legend, the Great Buddist Monk Ui-Sang (625-702) was launched from Buseoksa Temple and landed on this spot. Documents from Geuknakjeon state that Neungin Daedeuk, a disciple of Monk Ui-Sang, established the temple, and it was rebuilt several times during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).Bongjeongsa Temple is the largest temple in Andong and possesses the oldest wooden building in Korea, called Geuknakjeon. Past the Ilju Gate and the forest path is the Bongjeongsa Temple. Bongjeongsa Temple has a unique and elegant atmosphere. The old trees and hermitages nearby are also worth a look. There are many towers inside, such as the Daeungjeon (National Treasure No. 55), Geuknakjeon (National Treasure No. 15), and many others. There are also important buildings, such as the three-storey Stone Pagoda, the representative pagoda of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Geuknakjeon from the Goryeo Dynasty and Daeungjeon from the Joseon Dynasty stand next to each other. It is interesting to compare these two types of architecture. Inside both buildings are trees with the complete collection of Buddhist Sutras, Laws, and Treatises.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju Tour Guesthouse is 3 minutes’ walk from Gyeongju Station, and is within easy reach of various historic attractions including Gyeongjueupseong Walled Town, Anapji Pond, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Site, and Cheomseongdae Observatory, as well as Gyeongju National Museum and Seongdong Market, the largest traditional market in Gyeongju. The guesthouse offers free snacks including toast, eggs, and tea to guests at all hours. In addition, guests can use private lockers, a common lounge, cooking facilities, and BBQ facilities, and rent bicycles too. The guesthouse strives to provide refined services and comfortable and relaxing spaces to all its guests.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Since 1962, the Silla Cultural Festival has been a representative cultural celebration held in Gyeongju’s Bonghwangdae, Hwangseong Park, and the downtown area. It is a cultural festival that brings out the spirit of the ancient Silla kingdom, which has a remarkable history and culture. It also introduces Gyeongju’s vision of being a hub of culture and tourism that combines the old and the new. The festival allows residents and tourists to unite while building an ambience of positive interaction, as well as spreading an image of Gyeongju as a historical and cultural tourism city that embraces its thousand-year-old heritage.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Daegaya History Theme Park is located in what was the center of the Daegaya Kingdom. The park offers various areas to learn about not only the history of the area, but also the current culture and the future of Goryeong. In particular, visitors can enjoy various items produced during the Daegaya era such as pottery, ironworks, and the gayageum, as well as visit at 4D theater and walk along the forest exploration trail.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

Homigot, the main venue of the Homigot Sunrise Festival, is located on the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula. Homigot means ‘village on a tiger’s tale’ and is also the location for the first sunrises in Korea.The festival includes local cultural performances, a New Year celebratory event, fire show, sunrise concert and other diverse performances. Visitors may sample free tteokguk, a traditional New Year’s Day dish, during the special event of ‘Serving tteokguk for 10,000’. Other events such as kite-flying and launching hope balloons with wishes attached will provide enjoyable moments to reflect on the previous year and create new year resolutions.