Read this first :
Check for updates at the Haeinsa Temple website at http://80000.or.kr/eng/main/ (direct URL on this point at  http://80000.or.kr/eng/info/opening.html) but year 2010 is recess year or resting period, which means it would be CLOSED for the whole of next year !
Otherwise, Haeinsa Temple is closed on Tuesdays.


Getting there from Seoul :
http://80000.or.kr/eng/about/how.html

When I was researching on how to get to Haeinsa Temple, a couple of Korean friends told me to go via Busan. That travel tip did not sit too well with me because the question was ringing in my head as to why I should commute farther south to Busan, in order to head north again to reach Haeinsa Temple. Then I made a conjecture that such a 2-step forward then 1-step back route was necessary because of the way the highway was laid out. Moreover, Korean friends were nonplussed as to why I would want to go to Daegu; well, you have to, in order to catch the bus to Haeinsa Temple.

Gayasan Mountain 2008-01-01

Famous mountain with prestigious Hainsa Temple Gayasan Mountain National Park is famous for its scenic beauty all year round and houses the prestigious temple Hainsa in a comfortable and peaceful valley of Gayasan Mountain. There are few places in Korea where people can enjoy not onl　 y the natural attractions but also historical heritages, and Gayasan Mountain National Park is one　 of those few places. Gayasan Mountain stretches throughout Hapcheon-gun and Geochang-gun in Gyeongnam and Seongju-gun and Goryeong-gun in Gyeongbuk but the mountain is usually called "the famous mountain in Hapcheon" as most tourists come to the Hapcheon-gun area, where the great Hainsa Temple is located. The summit of Gayasan Mountain, Sangwangbong peak, stands more than 1,430 meters above sea level in the middle of high peaks such as Duribong, Danjibong, Namsan-jeilbong and Bigyesan ridges, which present a sublime scenic view with great harmony. This mountain is covered with a thick forest with more than 380 kinds of trees and various plants including huge pine and fir trees, and the attractive mountain valleys including Hongryudongcheon feature wonderful attractions all year round. Pink azaleas in spring, dark green foliage and cool refreshing cascades in the valleys in summer, colorful leaves in autumn and wonderful wintry scenes can be found on the mountain according to season. Gayasan Mountain is famous for its prestigious temple Hainsa. There may be some people who do not know Gayasan Mountain but there are few people who do not know where Hainsa Temple is. For those who do not know much about Gayasan Mountain, if you explain to them that it is the mountain where Hainsa Temple is located, they will exclaim, "Oh, then I know the mountain! Is that what the mountain is called!" Beopbo-jongchal (????: prestigious head temple for Buddhistic law) Hainsa Temple is one　 of the three most prestigious head temples in Korea together with Bulbo-jongchal (????: prestigious head temple for Buddhism) Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan Gyeongnam and Seungbo-jongchal (????: prestigious head temple for Buddhistic disciples) Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon Jeonnam. The ancient Hainsa Temple was built in the 3rd year of King Aejang (AD802) during the Shilla dynasty. Many invaluable cultural heritages including Tripitaka Koreana (Palman-daejanggyeong) Hainsa Temple has a unique story of its founding. The queen of King Aejang became sick very seriously and no medicine was found that could cure her illness. Then the two great monks Suneung (??) and Ijeong (??), who had returned from the Dang kingdom in China after diligent and hard discipline there, prayed to treat the illness of the queen, and she was cured mysteriously. Then King Aejang became very happy because of their successful treatment, and supported them when they founded Hainsa Temple. The pride of Hainsa Temple is the Goryeo-daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) that is commonly called Palman-daejanggyeong in Korean. This Tripitaka Koreana was nominated as National Treasure No.32 and was created during the period from the 23rd year (1236) to the 38th year (1251) of King Gojong during the Goryeo kingdom, by installing Daejang-dogam (head office for Tripitaka production) in Ganghwa Island and Bunsa-dogam (local office for Tripitaka production) in Jinju. This Tripitaka Koreana is composed of 1,516 kinds of wooden inscription blocks with 6,815 volumes and a total number of as many as 81,258 units. The white birch trees gathered from Jejudo Island, Geojedo Island and Wando Island were mostly used for the Tripitaka inscription. And the wooden blocks had been salted in seawater to prevent decay and dried under the shade for a long time before they were used for the inscriptions. The Tripitaka Koreana was stored at the Daejanggyeong-pango (warehouse of Tripitaka) near Seomun (West Gate) in Ganghwado Island at first. Then it was moved to Seonwonsa Temple in Ganghwado Island, and then it was moved to its current location in Hainsa Temple in the 7th year of King Taejo (1398) during the Choseon kingdom. The warehouse that preserves the Tripitaka Koreana is called Janggyeong-panjeon in Korean. It was built as two houses, one　 to the South, called Sudarajang, and the other one　 to the North, called Beopbojeon. They are one　 story houses and their scale is the same, 60.5 meters wide and 35 meters deep. The Janggyeong-panjeon were not burnt at all--mysteriously--in spite of seven fires that occurred at Hainsa Temple. Though they were discovered so many years ago, their scientific systems, such as efficient ventilation, effective moisture prevention, proper balance of temperatures and well-designed arrangements, have preserved the Tripitaka Koreana well over the years. This Janggyeong-panjeon, which is National Treasure No.52, was designated as a world cultural heritage by the UNESCO in 1995. In addition, Hainsa Temple keeps more than 200 cultural heritages including Goryeogakpan 2,725 blocks (National Treasure No.206), Goryeogakpan 110 blocks (Treasure No.734) and Wongyeongwangsabi (royal monk monument, Treasure No.128) of Banyasa Temple. Many traces of Goun Choi Chiwon, a famous scholar of Shilla kingdom It is recommended you climb up to the summit Sangwangbong from Hainsa Temple. The mountain trail is smooth enough for the typical tourists to climb up to the summit without much toil. It takes onl　 y about two hours from Hainsa Temple to reach the summit Sanwangbong. However, it takes a little more effort in winter, as climbers will need winter climbing equipment such as Eisen (crampons). Gayasan Mountain still bears several traces of Goun (??: lonely cloud) Choi Chiwon, a famous scholar in Shilla dynasty. You can find evidence of his life at Nongsanjeong Pavilion, where he enjoyed reading and playing Baduk games, the Munchanghu-yujeokbi (monument stone) that memorializes his academic achievements, the poem stone Seokgak upon which he had his poem inscribed, and Haksadang, which enshrines his portrait. Yongmun-pokpo Cascade is one　 of the most attractive places on Gayasan Mountain. This cascade bears a legend that dragons used to live here in ancient days. It is not very high at onl　 y 7 meters in height. But its silk-like waterfall and wonderful rocky cliffs show off a picturesque scene. In winter, the icy cascade is also wonderful to behold.

Getting to Gyeongju from Seoul :
By express bus ( 4 hours) :


Brief Highlights :
Shilla Heritage
Gyeongju is known as a museum without walls.

Bulguk Temple: An Ancient Korean Masterpiece 2008-08-16

One　 of Korea’s most popular travel destinations is the ancient city of Gyeongju, which is located in the southeast corner of North Gyeongsang Province. Although Gyeongju’s neighboring cities of Pohang and Ulsan are larger, none can boast the historic and cultural importance of Gyeongju. You see, Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. According to Korean records, Silla was formed in 57 BCE when six small villages near present-day Gyeongju were united by King Pak Hyeokgeose. Hatched from an egg laid by a white horse, King Pak is also the progenitor of the Pak surname, which is shared by about nine percent of all Koreans. By mid-7th century, Silla had conquered the neighbor kingdoms of Baekje and Goguryeo to create the first unified Korea. At its height, Gyeongju is estimated to have had 1 million inhabitants, and its awesome prosperity was known as far away as Egypt. Perhaps the greatest legacy of Gyeongju’s golden days, is Bulguk Temple (불국사), one　 of a precious few remaining examples of Silla architecture. Located on the slopes of Toham Mountain, Bulguksa, as it’s known in Korean, is one　 of Korea’s largest temples and it’s considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art built at the height of Silla’s greatness. The temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto (석굴암) were the first Korean sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. But before it was recognized as a World Heritage treasure, Bulguksa was designated “Historic and Scenic Site Number 1” by the South Korean government. In fact, the temple complex contains seven national treasures. Founded in the early sixth century by King Beopheung for his queen, the temple’s exquisite design is thanks to Kim Dae-seong, an architect whose talent and ugliness are both legendary. Nicknamed the “Big Wall” for his massive forehead, Kim found refuge in Buddhism and was eventually reincarnated as a future king’s prime minister. Completed in 774, Kim’s temple was always dwarfed in size and importance by other Silla temples. However, today it’s his magnificent Bulguksa that’s familiar to virtually every Korean. The Bulguk Temple complex contains over 40 notable structures. Two major entrance pavilions are separated by the majestic Beomyeongnu Bell Pavilion. To its right is Sokgyemun, the largest entrance, which is reached via a two-part stone staircase and arched bridge. The lower set of stairs is called the Blue Cloud Bridge while the top set is the White Cloud Bridge. Each stairway is separated into two paths by an impressively long single slab of granite. The 33-steps represent the 33 steps to enlightenment. But when you reach the literal top of the stairs, you pass not into nirvana but through the “Mauve Mist Gate”, which, if you ask me, sounds awfully enticing itself! Although much of the temple has been reconstructed over the centuries, the foundation stones are the originals. The temple’s main façade is an impressive 100-meter long wall of granite. Just inside the Mauve Mist Gate is Daeungjeon, or the Hall of Great Enlightenment. Built in 681, the temple’s main hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha. The courtyard, however, is better known, thanks to its two stone pagodas. To the left is Seokgatap. The 8.2-meter tall pagoda is quintessentially Korean, being proportional and built without ostentation. Over 13 centuries old, it’s ringed by eight stones resembling lotus flowers, like those that fell from heaven, according to the Lotus Sutra. During reconstruction work in 1966, some remarkable treasures were found hidden inside, including the world’s oldest wooden printing blocks, and a paper scroll measuring 6.2 meters in length and 6.7 centimeters wide. According to Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration, the scroll is the world’s oldest printing material! Across the courtyard from Seokgatap is the wonderfully ornate Dabotap, or “Many Treasures Pagoda”, which is featured on the Korean 10-won coin. In contrast to the Buddha’s detachment from the world, as exemplified by Seokgatap’s simplicity, Dabotap represents contemplation of the universe’s complexity. Amazingly, the stones forming the 10.4-meter tall pagoda are connected without mortar. Behind the two pagodas and main hall is Bulguksa’s largest building, named Museoljeon, or the Hall of No Words. So, I guess… enough said there. Several other buildings protect priceless paintings and gilt-bronze Buddhas, so if you are planning a visit to Bulguksa, be sure to leave yourself ample time. Thanks to its 1,000 years of Silla heritage, Gyeongju features many remarkable sites. Thankfully, there simply isn’t a bad time to visit Bulguksa. With autumn rapidly approaching, why not visit when the area’s temples are wrapped in the colorful foliage! Or, maybe even better yet, visit when everything is under a thin blanket of snow. Well, that’s all for today’s show. I hope you’ve enjoyed Discovering Korea with me. Please come back next week for another look at some of Korea’s most interesting places.

Getting there from Seoul :

Anmyeondo 2008-12-13   Today I highlight a perfect place for people in Seoul to get away for a brief trip. It’s close, it has both forests and a beach, and it’s particularly famous for its beautiful pension housing. It is Anmyeondo, or Anmyeon island, in Taean county in South Chungcheong province. The island is known for its Natural Recreation Forest, the onl　y recreation forest in Taean district. It’s a very unique tourism spot which features a beach and lush wooded area ideal for walking. In the forest, original pine trees tower toward the sky. These pine trees were used as timber during the Joseon Dynasty. From the entrance of this arboretum, there is a beautiful pine forest. There are also yellow earth grass roofed houses, a forest lodge, and other lodging facilities. I traveled here onc　e with two friends during the height of summer, so we enjoyed the beach and then cooled ourselves in the cool shadow of the forest. The beach is always fun, but I think I liked the woods even more. It was so tranquil and fresh and we were truly bonding with nature. I should be clear that this is not just a park but a huge recreational forest area where people can stay for days to relax, recuperate and recharge themselves before going back to the real world. I would say it’s the perfect place to connect with nature and reconnect with yourself. And Anmyeondo is great all year round. My parents and several of their friends made plans to go to Anmyeondo this past Monday for a one　 day sleepover, but it snowed quite a bit on Sunday, so they couldn’t go and delayed it to next week. There are many different types of lodges inside the forest park and also private commercial pension homes offered outside the park. Accommodations inside include forest cabins which are log houses, traditional Korean-style houses, grass-roofed houses and the more generic forest recreation center, so you can choose whichever suits your purpose and budget. The center is the most affordable, while the more unique types of housing cost more. There are famous Anmyeondo festivals for each season year-round. In spring, there’s a massive flower festival. The island brims with colors of red, yellow, pink, you name it. In the summer, there’s the tideland or mud flat festival where we all get dirty and play in the mud. But it’s not just for play. In the mud, we search for shellfish and clams we can cook and eat later! In the fall, there is a shrimp festival for all the shrimp lovers out there. Anmyeondo is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset and its beaches, woods, and traditional villages have ball been popular sets for TV dramas. As for directions now, you first take a bus from Seoul to the Taean Intercity Bus Terminal and from there take an Intercity Bus bound for Anmyeondo Island and get off at Anmyeon-eup(town). From there, you can take another bus to reach the Nature Recreation Forest, but if this is getting a little too complicated for you, simply hail a taxi and it will take onl　y 5 minutes from Anmyeon-eup to the nature forest. Typically, taxi rates are far lower in the provinces than in Seoul, so it’s worth taking cabs if you’re lost or having a hard time using public transport, or just to save time. Anmyeondo is a perfect getaway for Seoulites, complete with a great mix of beaches, forests and beautiful accommodations.

The promotional video is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFDjnrYNKv0

My video on the Belly Button Festival (Heseo Matsuri) at Furano on 28 July 2007 can be seen at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSWynvVxpr4

I dont know why the video icon on the Yahoo Blog toolbar isnt working for me and I dont know the HTML code to script it myself.