Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, Gulgulsa is the only temple cave in Korea. The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Gwang Yoo and some accompanying monks, and was designed according to the architectural structure of India.On the top of the temple stands a sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and surrounding the sculpture are twelve rock caves used as a prayer sanctuary. Seven of the twelve rock cave sanctuaries are still standing today. Golgulsa’s main attractions are the sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and the Gwaneum Cave.The Buddha sculpture displays the characteristics of the Shilla Buddha, and is 4 meters high. The Buddha has his hair in a topknot, has a calm smile, narrow eyes, small lips, and a long narrow nose. To protect the sculpture of any damage from the wind or rain, a glass ceiling has been installed in the Gwaneum Cave, which is the largest sanctuary of the seven still existing caves.The main Buddha of this cave is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the cave walls are dedicated to the 108 meditations of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The Gwaneum Cave has a wall with tiles in front of it, which makes it look like an ordinary sanctuary. But once inside, the entire interior from ceiling to walls is carved all from stone. Golgulsa is unlike any other temple. The road to the temple offers an exciting thrill similar to that of rock climbing. Safety ropes and railings surround Golgulsa. A risky climb up a long set of stairs finally leads up to the caves, including Gwaneum Cave, Jijang Cave, and Yaksa Cave.The Maya Tathagata Buddha can only be seen after climbing the rock walls and holding on tightly to the safety ropes, but only past the cave-like rock that juts out.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gimcheon-si)

Jikjisa, located in Hwangak Mountain, Daehang-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, has a temple stay program which offers an opportunity for busy urbanites to relax and have some quality time for themselves. The temple stay includes learning temple etiquette, yebul (Buddhist service), 108 prostrations, talks with a monk, lecture on Buddhist culture, chamseon (Zen meditation), and barugongyang (formal monastic meal). Unique to the temple is an early morning walk to Hwanhuidae through which you may look deep down your heart and clear out all your afflictions.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Goryeong was the old capital of Daegaya (42-562 AD), a city-state of the Gaya confederacy that once spanned the region now occupied by Gyeongsangnam-do Province to the south of the Korean peninsula. The city of Goryeong played such a central role in the development of the confederacy that many artifacts and historic sites of the Daegaya period can still be found there today. Some of the most prominent landmarks are the 200 gobuns (ancient tombs) that lie along the southeastern slope of Jusan Mountain in Goryeong. In ancient times, the higher and larger a tomb, the higher the social status of the person buried inside. Given this tradition and historical evidence, the largest tomb in the south has been identified as Geumnim Wangneung (Royal Tomb of King Geumnim); the other large tombs are also presumed to be those of the kings of Daegaya. The large royal tombs (over 20m in diameter) dominate the mountain ridge (the highest point) while mid-sized and smaller tombs can be found on the mountain slopes and foothills. Historical research on Daegaya began with the excavation and partial identification of the ancient tombs of Goryeong by research teams from Kyungpook National University and Keimyung University in 1977. Excavators discovered a great number of relics—gilt-bronze crowns, swords, armor, and trinkets of gold, silver, and jade—that shed light on the flourishing culture of Gaya. To continue to encourage interest in the history and culture of Daegaya, officials of Goryeong-gun County established the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall at the foot of Jusan Mountain in Gobun-gun, Jisan-dong. The exhibition hall depicts the social structure of the era through ancient customs such as burying servants alive with their dead masters.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Located in the historic city of Andong, ‘Hotel Gallery’ is a convenient place to stay when visiting the historic Korean Confucian sites in the area. A new transportation network has even been set up in the area to facilitate travel between restaurants and sites. Guestrooms at the hotel are decorated in a contemporary and simple fashion and come in Double, Twins, VIP, and Family options. Each room is equipped with the latest facilities and modern bathrooms.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Dosan Confucian Academy was established in 1574 (7th year under the reign of King Seonjo), by the disciples and others who cherished their memories of the premier Lee Hwang.Dosan Lecture Hall was an academy where Toegye Lee Hwang taught his students and concentrated on his academic studies. In 1574 (the 7th year under the reign of King Seonjo (1567~1608)) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), Confucian scholars established a shrine called Sangdeoksa. In 1969, it was designated as a National Treasure No. 170. After placing the mortuary and performing the sacrificial rites, they finished the Lecture Hall by building Jeongyodang (National Treasure No.210) and the West and East Wings (where scholars could study). When the Lecture Hall was finished King Seonjo bestowed the sign.When you enter the main entrance there is Dosan Lecture Hall on the right. The structure of the building is simple with the square pillars and simple structures of the girders inserted in the crosspieces. If you go up behind the Lecture Hall and pass the Jindo Gate, there is Gwangmyeongsil where books are stored. You can also find the main building, Jeongyodang and the West and East Wings.Behing Jeongyodang there is Sangdeoksa and Jangpangak, a tree to print the ‘Dosan 12 Songs’. Okjingak, which was rebuilt in 1970, is now an exhibit building for the relics of Toegye such as his stationary, furniture, and his favorite books etc.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Jace Motel is located in Ok-dong, the new town of Andong where Hahoe Village exists. Diverse sizes' rooms are available for all of family, couple and group travelers. As neighboring tourist spots, there are Hahoe Village, Byeongsan Seowon, Dosan Seowon, Bongjeongsa and Hakgasan hot spring. Andong's special products include Andong salt mackerel, Andong steamed chicken, Andong beef, Andong Soju and Andong Sikhye.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

During ancient times, when King Jin-heung of the Silla Kingdom reigned, a mysterious occurrence gripped many with both a sense of fascination and fear. According to legendary myth, a sudden massive thunderstorm mysteriously brought nine dragons to heaven. That is where Guryongpo (meaning Nine Dragons) Beach got its name.What makes this destination so special is its climate and geographical location. Featuring a hilly terrain, warm winter and cool summer weather, and a long shoreline extending to about 15.8 km, Guryongpo Beach is an ideal getaway. The Guryeong-po seaport is well developed because of its inshore fishery, as it is the heart of the major fishing industry within the district. Here one can find cuttlefish, mackerel pikes, mother crabs, and other delicacies that are caught and shipped to the markets. With the fish boats and buoys gently swaying in the background, and seagulls gliding peacefully overhead, Guryeong-po beach is an ideal location to watch the beautiful sunrise during the winter months.The Guryeong-po beach, which is favored by many tourists not only for its beauty but also for being the perfect summer getaway, is only about 24 km away from the city of Pohang and 1.5 km from the Guryeong-po town. The half-moon shaped shoreline, with a length of about 400 m and a x_width of over 50 m, is favored most amongst campers who find the place a perfect summer getaway.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Silla Sori Festival mainly focuses on the King Seongdeok Divine Bell (Emille Bell), established during the Unified Silla period, and takes place in Gyeongju, embracing its thousand-year-old heritage. The festival is managed by BBS (Buddhist Broadcasting System), and sponsored by Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bulguksa Temple and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. The festival venue is a grass field around Cheomseongdae Observatory, where the varied programs such as the tolling of the model Emille Bell, weighting about 6 tons, and Silla Culture experience, reappearance of Silla Gandeunghoe (lamp ceremony) and others are prepared. The festival has been held since 2012 to acknowledge the value of the ‘King Seongdeok Divine Bell’, featuring the most beautiful bell existing in the world, made in our own way, and honoring the spirit.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Located to the east of Mt. Baegamsan, Baegam Hot Springs is a unique opportunity for those seeking a relaxing alternative to Seoul’s busy lifestyle. The facility’s 48℃ alkaline water contains a great deal of lithium, and has been historically remembered long since the time of Shilla dynasty. Baegam Hot Springs takes up a large portion of Hot Springs town and boasts numerous convenient facilities, including lodging places. Baegam Hot Springs’ soft and transparent water is known for its therapeutic effects against neuralgia, chronic arthritis, and arterial sclerosis. Nearby highlights are Mt. Baegamsan –famous for its pine forest and clear sand- and Gusan Beach, visitors can enjoy hiking and sea-bath at one stop.