Bulguksa Temple Guardians

Bulguksa Temple Guardians

Bulguksa Temple Guardian

Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju is a Korean national icon. Bulguksa was completed in 774 in the Silla dynasty but was unfortunately destroyed by an invading Japanese army in the early 17th century.

These huge temple guardians are a common feature in temples in China, Korea and Japan and are related to ancient Hindu demi-gods or devas (cheon in Korean). Their job is to prevent evil spirits from entering the sacred grounds of the temple's inner sanctum.

Image © Daniel Allen

© Korea Guide

Anapji Pond

Anapji Pond 안압지

Anapji in Gyeongju is a beautiful pleasure garden and lake built by King Munmu in 674 as part of his palace.

The Anapji Pond is said to mirror the shape of King Munmu's kingdom at the time and the beautiful lotus pond and surrounding trees are illuminated at night.

When the area was restored in the mid-1970s the lake was dredged to reveal thousands of relics fom the Silla dynasty which are now exhibited in the National Museum in Gyeongju.

Korea images © Daniel Allen

Cheomsongdae Observatory

Cheomsongdae Observatory

Cheomsongdae Observatory in Gyeongju is the oldest observatory in East Asia.

The building dates back to the 7th century and the rule of Queen Seondeok (632-647) in the Silla dynasty. The 12 stones at the base of the building may represent the 12 months of the year or the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. The number of stones in the construction equals the number of days in a lunar year - 362.

The structure is illuminated at night and a favorite place for lovers' snaps.

Korea images © Daniel Allen