The 2 most beautiful temples near sea shore

The 2 most beautiful temples near sea shore 

Naksansa (낙산사) / Haedong Yonggungsa (해동용궁사)

Naksansa (낙산사)

Naksansa Temple(낙산사) is in Yangyang(양양), Gangwon Province(강원도).

Actually I went here after Seoraksan trip. You can go here by bus from Sokcho(속초).

Anyways,

Naksansa Temple (낙산사) is located 4km north of Naksan Beach, and boasts a 1,300-year history. It is a temple built by Ui-Sang(의상), the ambassador of the 30th King of Silla Period (57 BC~AD 935). It was named Naksansa Temple by Ui-Sang, at the spot where he learned the prayer "Gwansae-eumbosal"(관세음보살) from Bosal, after he returned from studying abroad in the Chinese Dang Kingdom. 

It was rebuilt several times afterwards, and the current building was raised in 1953. 

Unfortunately, this temple was destroyed by a big forest fire in 2005. 

Now, it was restored to almost its original state but, of course they lose so many priceless buildings or things at that time. 

 But we can still see the living Buddism history because of many wise monks and people's efforts. Including the paper Buddha.

Except the meaning of Buddism history, this temple is just awesome.

Really beautiful !  You would even feel like, you are lucky to be alive. :P

 

This is the main enterance

   

Haesugwaneumsang (해수관음상)

Mount Naksan is crowned by the Buddhist statue of Haesugwaneumsang (해수관음입상, Bodhisattva of Mercy), known as the goddess Gwanseum-Bosal, facing southeast standing 15 meters (49 ft) high on a 2.8-meter (9 ft) high pedestal. The white granite statue stands in a clearing at the top of the hill, eyes and fingers closed in peaceful meditation as it gazes out to sea.

Map 

 

Since it's a big temple, you need sort of a strategy to  look around.

When I went there, the guy work at ticket box taught me the best way.

1. Begin at the main enterance (not back door)

2. Follow that arrow.

3. Enjoy the temple

4. Come back to the main entereance.  (it takes only 10min)

 

★ How to get there

* Local Transportation * 

At Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal, 

1. take bus no. 9 or No. 9-1 for Mt. Naksansa Temple.(10-15 minute ride) 

 2. taxi takes 10 minutes. 

At Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (40 minute ride)

or Sokcho Express Bus Terminal (15 minute ride)

take bus No.9 or No.9-1 to Mt. Naksansa Temple.

Haedong Yonggungsa (해동 용궁사)

This is my favorite temple in my area.

It's located in Gijang-gun(기장군), Busan.

I've never seen someone who says it sucks :P

Always awesome, beautiful, wonderful...etc.  :D

So if you live near Busan, don't hesitate, just go !

They have an English page for you.

http://www.yongkungsa.or.kr/en/

★ How to get there

at Haeundae station exit7 (해운대역 7번출구), 

take bus no.181

(30 minute ride)

Get off at Younggungsa , Gukripsusangwahakwon (용궁사 국립수산과학원) stop.

(Usually there are many people get off at there to go to Yonggungsa.)

Sokcho The House Hostel

For Seoraksan National Park Tourists,

here is a good hostel.

The house hostel 

(http://www.thehouse-hostel.com/)

  

When I went to Sokcho, I stayed at here for 2nights.

Usually I don't like to give information about something like this, but I feel like I have to introduce this place cuz I had great time here.

Here are reasons why you should know this place.

1. Easy to find.

2. Clean and affordable price

3. The owner can speak English (also very kind)

4. You can rent a bike for free (then you can explore Sokcho easily.)

5. convenient facilities 

(Internet, Kitchen, DVD(:P) )

you can drink beer or talk about your day with friends at night here.

* Map is on the web page.

The one place you must go - Seoraksan National Park(설악산국립공원) Part2.

The one place you must go,

Seoraksan National Park 

Part 2.

Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위) - Yeonggeumjeong (영금정)

Ulsanbawi Rock (울산바위)

(http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264169)

 Well. First of all, I wanna tell you something. 

'Bawi' means 'Rock'

I don't know why people are using Korean words like this, but I really want you to call this as Ulsanbawi (울산바위) or Ulsan rock.  As well as Geumganggul Cave(금강굴).

'gul' means 'cave' ! so, you definitely don't need to repeat it.

So, from now on, I'm gonna call this just as Ulsanbawi(울산바위).

2 panorama shots of Ulsanbawi

Ulsanbawi is composed of six granite peaks, each bearing a width of 4km. 

You can see the spectacular scenery of Seorak Mountain, the East Sea, Dalma Peak, and Haksapyeong Reservoir from the top. 

There are  many varying theories as to what the name Ulsanbawi implies: 

that it looks like a fence, that its name was copied from Ulsan of Gyeongsangnam-do, 

and that the Korean term of “crying mountain” was translated into Chinese characters. 

Because of the way the whole mountain reverberates the sound of thunder in rain, it is also referred to as Cheonhusan. 

And the list goes on and on :)

The arduous 4km hike up that takes roughly two hours to reach the peak is worth it. 

Views from the top are simply breathtaking. 

Daepohang Port (대포항) 

Again, 'Hang' means 'Port' anyways.

Daepohang(대포항) is filled with raw fish restaurants and a live fish market containing eel, flatfish, flounder, yellowtail, and plethora of other high-end seafood. 

Furthermore, the abundance of local dishes that can be found lining the streets includes Ojingeo sundae(오징어순대) and Gamja Songpyeon(감자송편). 

For raw fish lovers that are in the Sokcho area, Daepohang Port is the place to be. 

Nearby tourist attractions include Seorak Sunrise Park and Tourism Submarine. These are all great places to stop by while visiting the Seoraksan Mountains.

How to get to Daepohang

1. Across from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, take city bus No. 1,3,5,7,9 and get off at Daepohang Port (2-3 min ride). 

2. From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, take city bus No. 1, 1-1, 1-7, 7-1, 9, or 9-1 and get off at Daepohang Port (25 min ride).

Yeongguemjung (영금정)

(http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1758206)

Yeonggeumjeong refers to the area covering the shore by the Sokcho Lighthouse in Sokcho-si City. (속초)

The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo

 (거문고.traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). 

At the end of the 50m-long bridge built over a rocky peninsula is a pavilion offering a view of the East Sea.

I planned to go to the light house, but Yeonggeumjeong looks better 

so I headed to here.

And I was right. 

It looks awesome, right?

This is an old pavilion which is now inaccessible to the public. ↓

How to get to Yeonggeumjeong

From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, follow the signs for Yeonggeumjeong.

Yeonggeumjeong is located about 15 minutes from the bus terminal.

OR

From Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, take the local Bus 7, 7-1, 9 or 9-1.

Get off at Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (시외버스터미널) or Suboktap (수복탑).

Basically, there are not many buses in Sokcho.

So you need to remember few numbers.

I'm sure that you won't have any problems visiting other places by bus.

The one place you must go - Seoraksan National Park(설악산 국립공원) Part 1.

Seoraksan (설악산)

 

- The one place you must go !

 

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seoraksan)

Part 1.

Shinheungsa(신흥사) - Gwongeumseong Fortress(권금성) -
Biseondae(비선대) - Geumganggul Cave(금강굴)


It was my first day's couse when I went Seoraksan National Park.
So, you can consult this when you make your own plan. ^^*



 

Seoraksan National Park ( 설악산 국립공원 )

 

This is the main enterance of Seoraksan National Park.
(I went here last winter. so you can see snowy scene of Seoraksan.)


Well.

the neighborhood including the main enterance, we call this area as 'Sogongwon(소공원)' which means 'small park'.

 

Shinheungsa (신흥사)

In Sogongwon(소공원), there is a temple named Shinheungsa(신흥사).
Sinheungsa (신흥사) is a short 10min walk away from the entrance to Sogongwon.
On the path to Sinheungsa, there is a great bronze statue called Tongildaebul(통일대불,Bronze Jwabul Statue) which is well over 10 meters high. Just beyond the statue, which is on a granite terrace, there is a bridge to the right called Hyeonsugyo(현수교), which was newly built for crossing the ravine. Past the bridge there is a long stone wall with a Cheongwang door(천왕문), and you can enter the temple. At the entrance there are four Cheonwang (king) statues (Jiguk Cheonwang with a sword, Damun Cheonwang with a lute, Gwangmok Cheonwang with a tower, and Jeungjang Cheonwang with a dragon), placed on either side.

 

This is the gate of Shinheungsa , Iljumun(일주문)
 

 This is the great statue, Tongildaebul(통일대불)

 

 Cheonwang door(천왕문)

 

 

Inside of Shinheungsa(신흥사)

 

Gwongeumseong Fortress (권금성)

 

Gwongeumseong Fortress(권금성) is the site of a castle ruins called Mt. Seoraksan.

It is located on the steep Dol Mountain of Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon area.

It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo(고려) Period (918~1392), Gojong(고종) (1213~1259 reign). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim, built the castle to avoid war.
At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge(비룡교) over the ravine, there is a path which leads to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so cable cars are used.

 The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It is operated from 8:30a.m. to 6p.m., departs every 7 minutes.

At the plateau of Gwongeumseong Castle there are 80 sections of rocks and you can see the East Sea and city of Sokcho. Also, to the west, you can see all kinds of fantastic rocks and stones which make up the Seoraksan Mountains.



Cable car
Adults 9,000 won / Children(ages 4~13) 6,000 won
Depending on the season and weather, operating hours are subject to change. Visitors should call in advance.(033-636-4300)

* Visitors can make reservations in person for a timeslot on the day of their visit. 

 

on the way to Biseondae

 

 

 

 

Biseondae (비선대)

 

This is Biseondae(비선대)

All  of peaks have names.
From left, Mirukbong(미륵봉), Hyeongjebong(형제봉),Seonnyeobong(선녀봉)





Well, from Sogongwon to here Biseondae, It's not difficult to hike at all.

But from Biseondae to Geumganggul(금강굴) ?
That's pretty tough.



Actually , Gumganggul is located in middle of Mirukbong(미륵봉).
Can you imagine :D ??





Way to Geumganggul

 

Just before Geumganggul.

I thought it's the Geumganggul. Cuz seemed like there is no way to hike anymore

 and there are many people are resting.

 

So I took so many pictures at there and took some rest.
(But, still I was thinking, if it's a real Geumganggul, how come they used 'gul(굴, which means 'cave' in Korean) for its name .?? )


Well..
In no time, I saw this !

haha yea, this is the Geumganggul .
So I headed there through this exciting stairs.

After a hard climb,

whooooooo

 

It was one of the most beautiful , wonderful, amazing sceneries I had ever seen in my life !

 

 ( This picture is way worse than reality !

more than 100000000000times ! )

 

 

I think Geumganggul is one of places in Seoraksan National Park you must see !

 

 

 

 

 

 

And this is squid sundae (오징어순대)

You can only eat this in this area. ( at least this is the homebase. :P )

So~~~ delicious ♥_♥

 

 

How to get to Sogongwon(Seoraksan National Park)

1. From Sokcho-si , take city bus No.7 (15minute intercal / 25-30 min ride)
Get off at Mt. Seroaksan Sogongwon

2. From Sokcho-si, taxi takes 15-20 min to the enterance of Oeseorak.(외설악)




If you want more information

english.knps.or.kr
(Korean, English)
sokchotour.com
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, Russian)

 

 

 

 

 

Miryang Tour / Miryang Youngnamru (밀양 영남루)

Today, I'm going to tell you about Miryang Youngnamru.

 

Built on a bluff by the Miryang River, this is a pavilion of the Joseon Period, which goes well with beautiful scenery in the neighborhood.



 

In Korean, we call this sort of building as 'Nugak (누각.樓閣 )'. Which means, it is sited high up on the hill(or fortress) to see every side. Well, easily, Pavilion. :P

Based on size and beauty of architecture, Youngnamru(영남루) is the best building in the Late of Choseon(Joseon) Dynasty. 

Along with Chokseokru(촉석루) by the Nam River(남강) in Jinju and Bubyeokru(부벽루) by the Daedong River in Pyeongyang, it is one of the best three pavilions in Korea.

 

 

This is the enterance of Yongnamru.

It looks pretty interesting, huh? :P

 

After climbed the stairs,

 



 

Inside of the Youngnamru

 

 

 

ah! You should take off shoes !

 

Actually, even for me, it was very impressive.

Usually, we don't need to take off shoes for cultural assets or just can't go.

In that sense,Youngnamru is well kept I think.

Because as you can see, people can take some rest at there like our forebears used to do. 

 

 

Right across from Youngnamru, there is Cheonjingung(천진궁.天眞宮).

Cheonjingung faces the south, with a portrait and ancestral tablet of Dangun in the center, the ancestral tablets of the founding kings of Buyeo(부여), Goguryeo(고구려), Gaya(가야) and Goryeo(고려) dynasties against the left wall, and the ancestral tablets of the founding kings of Silla(신라), Baekje(백제), Balhae(발해), and Joseon(조선) dynasties against the right wall.

 



 

 

You can play some traditional Korean games.(If you can have a chance.)

When I went there, I couldn't have a chance. Because of some little and incredibly cute enemies.(Who never give up, who never be tired!)

 

Anyways,

Except Youngnamru, you can also see a fortress.

 

 

It just takes 10minutes from Youngnamru.

(You can easily find the way.)

 

It called Miryangeupseong.

It was built for protecting the offices and private building from enemies.

 

 The exterior wall of the fortress is a natural cliff while Namcheongang, a river that flows along the exterioir wall, acted as a moat.

 

 

 

Come back to the forked road, and go right
Then you can see a temple. Name is Mubongsa(무봉사).

 

Since Buddha's birthday is coming, you can see Lotus lantern everywhere.

 

 

 

Hope you visit here sometime

and take a good rest at Youngnamru.

 

 

 

 

 

★ How to get there

 

 

If you take a taxi from intercity bus terminal or train station, it takes about 10minutes by taxi either way.

 (less than 3,000won.)

 

 

 

★ More information about Miryang

Eoreumgol(얼음골)

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eoreumgol)

 

This is one of Miryang's foremost tourist attractions.

 It gets its name and its notoriety from the freezing cold found there even in midsummer. This phenomenon is believed to be due to local airflow patterns, particularly cold air emerging from underground.

Ice starts freezing in early March and it lasts until July.

 

 

Samyeongdaesa(사명대사, 泗溟大師)

 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yujeong)

 

He is one of the most famous men of Miryang.

He was a Korean Buddhist monk during the Joseon Dynasty.

 

I'm sure that if you know him, you will have more fun with Miryang.

With the outbreak of Japanese invasions in 1592, Yujeong joined his teacher Seosan's righteous army of monks. After Seosan retired due to his age, Yujeong took over the leadership of the monks' army. He led the army into battles at Pyongyang and Uiryeong in 1592, set up mountain fortresses through Gyeongsang in 1594, and joined in battle again at Ulsan and Suncheon.

In 1604, after the end of the war, he traveled to Japan on King Seonjo's orders to forge a peace accord with Tokugawa Ieyasu, and returned with 3500 Koreans who had been taken prisoner. Yu jeong's diplomatic missions established a resilient foundation for a series of major Joseon missions to Japan.

 

 

 

Pyochungsa(표충사)

(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyochungsa)

Pyochungsa, originally Jukrimsa(죽림사,竹林寺), is a Korean Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

It stands on the slopes of Jaeyaksan(재약산) near Cheonhwangsan(천황산) in the Yeongnam Alps in Danjang-myeon, northern Miryang, South Korea.

 

They keep 3 ancestral tablets (Samyeong daesa, Seosan daesa and Giju daesa)in  temple.

 

Except the meaning of history, this temple is just really beautiful.

 

 

 Miryang has so many interesting attractions.

So, I recommend traveling Miryang ! :D