Buddhist Relics

Kirimsa
The culture of Shilla Dynasty is based on Buddhism and relics from this period can be found in its ancient capital, Kyongju and surrounding mountains. The Kolgul-am is located 20km east of Kyongju, and holds the oldest historical Buddhist relics and the only cave temple in Korea.

The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Kwang Yoo and his companions. A sculpture of Maya Tathagata Buddha and twelve rock caves are found here.

Porisa
Porisa is located at Miruk village. This village is called "the museum without fences". The fact that this temple was mentioned in the Samguk Sagi(The History of the Three Countries, written in 1146) shows its long history. There is a Buddhist image carved on a rock cliff while walking down southwards, about 35meters along the narrow path.

In front of this image you can see the whole Paeban plain which had been the center of Sorabol(the old name of Seoul during the Shilla Kingdom). There is also a stone statue of sitting Buddha, which represents the style of the late Shilla Kingdom. It is a valuable model statue of the Shilla Kingdom, because it has all the features of the Shilla style. The statue is seated on the pedestal.

It has a halo decorated with the patterns of flowers or scrolling vines. The image of Bhaisajaguru carved on the back of the halo, which is a very unique kind of ornament. It is believed to be the work of the 8th century. It is a huge statue with the hight of 2.4m.

Pulguksa
Pulguksa was built by Kim Dae-song. Construction started during the reign of King Kyongdok of Shilla Kingdom (A.D. 751) and ended during the reign of King Hyekong(A.D. 774). Pulguksa is the recreation of Pulgukt'o, the land of Buddha. The grand and unique stone structure of Pulguksa is a relic from the 8th century.

The wooden building that stands over it was reconstructed in the 18th century because it was destroyed in a fire during war. Sokkat'ap pagoda has a symmetrically balanced beauty. On the other hand the Tabot'ap pagoda has a complex and unique structure. The creative patterns and carvings on the pagoda give it great artistic value.

Although the Tabot'ap is a stone structure it has the architectural style of that of a wooden structure. Pulguksa is designated and managed as the 1st Historic Site and Scenic Spot. There are many cultural properties within the grounds of Pulguksa, such as the Tabot'ap pagoda(National Treasure No.20), Sokkat'ap pagoda(National Treasure No.21), Ch'ong-un-gyo & Paegun-gyo bridge(National Treasure No.23), Yonhwagyo & Ch'ilbogyo (National Treasure No.22), Kumdong Amitabha Yoraejwasang (Gold-plated Amitabha seated Buddha statue, National Treasure No.27), Pirojanabul(National Treasure No.26), and more. Pulguksa is designated as UNESCO's World Heritage.

Sokkuram Grotto
The stone cave of Sokkuram was designated as the 24th National Treasure, and Sokkucultural golden age of the United Shilla period, Sokkuram was constructed with the use of a sophisticatram was registered as one of UNESCO's World Heritages along with Pulguksa in December, 1995. Constructed during the 8th century, the ed level of architectural technique based on Buddhist ideology and well-developed mathematical principle. It is said that the magnificence that we feel from Sokkuram are the result of the superior architectural techniques that were used. The sculptures of Sokkuram are very life-like and are beautiful as well.

At the plane square front hall located in the entrance of Sokkuram, there are P'albushinjang(eight things) to the right and left. Kumgang-yoksasang(the image of the Diva king) is carved at the entrance of the passage, and Sach'onwangsang(the images of the four Divas) is carved on the walls of the smaller passage. The stone statue of Buddha in the main hall of the cave was sculpted in the Kupt'a style. Its crossed legs, half-closed eyes, soft eyebrows, eyes of wisdom and long ears create the most ideal beauty in the whole world.

The statue was constructed so that visitors would feel a calmness when looking at the statue. Sokkuram was constructed to recreate the moment that Siddhartha achieved in the state of nirvana. The sophisticated sculpturing technique and outstanding beauty of Sokkuram attract the attention of many people.

Punhwangsa
Kyongju Bunwhang Temple is one of the seven representitive temples during The Shilla period. The history book, Samkugyusa says Solgo painted Kwanumbosaldo which is kept in this temple, and that Kangkonaemi made the bronze Buddha called Yaksayaeraesang in 755.Bunwhang temple was burned down in 1592 and later was reconstructed.

There are remains such as Bunwhangsa pagoda(National Treasure No. 30), Whajangkuksabipyon, a spring well, stone-made lamp, foundation, and stones used for building the pagoda.

Pongjongsa
This temple is famous for Kukrakjon, which is the oldest wooden building in Korea.

Other cultural assets are Tokhwiru pagoda, a cozy three-story pagoda established in Koryo era, a dormitory and attached small temples like Yongsonam and Ch'ijoam.