Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple (경주 골굴암 마애여래좌상) - Area information - Korea travel information

Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple (경주 골굴암 마애여래좌상)

11.5Km    2022-12-28

101-5, Girim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-744-1689

The Seated Rock-carved Buddha at Golgulam Temple consists of a Maebul (a Buddha carved in a cliff) at the very top of 12 Buddha images carved in natural rock caves located in a steep cliff of Girimsa Valley. A painting of the caving titled "Golgulseokgul" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous painter of the era, revealed that there was once a wooden room located in front of the Maebul, but today only a hint of the room remains on the rock. The head of the Buddha (Yukgye) is perched solid and high on the body with a clear profile of the face – sharp eyes, small lips and a long and narrow nose. In contrast to the three-dimensional face, the body is broader and flatter. The neck and upper chest sections have eroded over time. The folds in the clothing are nearly parallel, and the arm area has a v-pattern wrinkle, giving it a more realistic and three-dimensional quality. Around the head of the Buddha is a lotus-shaped halo, while the body is surrounded by a rhythmic flame-like halo. The Maebul is believed to have been created during the late Unified Silla Kingdom, as it shows similar craftsmanship to Seated Stone Vairocana Buddha (National Treasure), which was created in the year 876 and is located in Chukseosa Temple.

Gyeongju Golgulsa Temple (골굴사(경주))

11.6Km    2025-05-21

101-5 Girim-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Golgulsa Temple is a temple located within the Hamwolsan Mountain, situated between Gyeongju City and the East Sea. With a history of over 1,500 years, it houses many Buddha statues preserved within its twelve grottoes. Maintaining the tradition of Korean Buddhism's practice of Seonmudo, visitors can witness Seonmudo performances. Additionally, there are templestay programs available, offering opportunities to experience Korean temple culture.

GUTORAN (구토란펜션)

14.9Km    2024-08-01

17-25 , Gwigye-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-746-4847, +82-10-3520-9576

Gutoran is a hanok pension in Naenam-Myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, owned by a ceramic artist who has hand-painted and decorated the house with his own roof tiles and pottery. In front of the house is a garden and lotus pond, also decorated with ceramic works. Nearby is the owners’ pottery workshop called (‘Gutoranyo’) where visitors can take part in ceramic classes.

The Oriental Medicine Resort: Chorakdang (한방테마파크 초락당)

16.5Km    2025-01-07

44-34, Gyemyeong-ro, Ulju-gun, Ulsan
+82-52-264-8001

Opened in 2001, Chorakdang is a health resort that specializes in Oriental medicine treatments. The resort offers the perfect setting for rest, relaxation, and medical treatments. The traditional hanok buildings and natural surroundings intensify the health benefits of the resort.

Hyangdan (향단)

17.8Km    2025-03-24

121-83 Yangdongmaeul-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-10-6689-3575

Hyangdan in Yangdong Village, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a grand old house designated as a National Treasure. It is a 500-year-old hanok building that now operates as a lodging facility for guests who are looking for a good night's rest in a cozy traditional atmosphere.

Dori Village Ginkgo Tree Forest (도리마을은행나무숲)

19.3Km    2025-10-28

35-102 Do-ri, Seo-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

A thick forest formed by densely planted ginkgo trees. In the fall, the golden ginkgo leaves color the forest. Noted as a wedding photo shoot hotspot, it's where Kang-ho found the twins' bouncy ball. As you wander through the village, read the beautiful phrases written on the walls, and capture a perfect shot amidst the ginkgo forest.

Najeong Beach (나정고운모래해변)

19.4Km    2021-08-02

1915, Donghaean-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6325

Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.

PARK 1538 (POSCO Museum) (Park1538 포스코역사박물관)

19.5Km    2025-10-23

14 Donghaean-ro 6213beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The PARK 1538 POSCO Museum not only showcases the history, spirit, corporate culture and vision of POSCO, but also Pohang city's development, showing the city's transformation alongside the company. POSCO was able to achieve success thanks to the POSCO employees who fought against all kinds of adversities. The museum showcases such great achievements, as well as the entire history of the company, giving dreams and hopes to the youth who visit the museum.

Hwarang Hill (화랑의언덕)

19.5Km    2025-10-28

601 Suui-gil, Sannae-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "The Good Bad Mother"
A meadow where Kang-ho and neighborhood children often played, Hwarang Hill is touted as a prime spot for one of the best snapshots of lifetime on social media. Walk up to the cliff-end rock known as Meditation Rock, you'll see a quaint village and rice paddies stretching out below. The hilltop boasts expansive lawns and a tranquil reservoir, perfect for a peaceful landscape view. While walking and picnicking are allowed, camping and car camping are not.

Railway Forest & The Garden of Fire (철길숲 & 불의정원)

19.6Km    2024-12-10

A 4.3-kilometer stretch of railroad between Hyoja Station and the old Pohang Station that fell into disuse after nearly 100 years of operation due to the opening of the KTX Pohang Station in 2015. The railroad track runs through residential areas to create an urban forest, and water features like wall streams, musical fountains, and steel artworks began to attract tourists, creating a prime example of future-oriented urban regeneration and green ecological city plan. The Garden of Fire came about as a natural gas spring from 200-meter under sea level was ignited during the construction work for the Railway Forest. The flame was expected to be extinguished, but as the flame persisted, a garden was built around the flame to create a unique view.