A TOUR OF KOREA IN 5 DAYS - PART 5

This blog is a continuation of our 5-day tour organized by Korea Tourism Organization as part of the Korea-ASEAN Tourism Partnership Program). It happened last October 29- November 2, 2012).

DAY 2 Continuation

The tour was not complete without a group picture within the temple surroundings - one where we can see the best view of the horizon. It was an eerie yet good feeling! Korea really brings that in me! I could say in all of us!

After a chilly yet enjoyable tour, we moved to another temple called the Bulguksa Temple. It was by far one of the best designed and well-planned temples I have seen. I guess during those times, flood occurs so they constructed a temple which was high. The architecture was amazing even during those times.

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism in the North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO Heritage List  together with the Seokguram Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (Source: Wikipedia).

The lake on the way to the temple

It seems life during  those times revolved around the temple. It was so designed at the highest location where everyone can see it.  There were other equally important Korean treasures I saw in the temple as shown in the pics below.

It took some time before we were able to finish the tour as the temple was also big. It was quite an experience as we were able to enter it from its back and have a view of the whole surroundings from its veranda. Indeed, one of the best temples a tourist must include in his/her itinerary! We left when it was getting dark!

We first moved on to another Korean treasure - the Cheomseongdae Observatory located in Gyeongju. There was a special house showing the AVP and explaining the design and use of the said observatory

Group picture with Cheomseongdae Observatory as our background.

The small theater house detailing the intricacies of the design of the observatory.

 Dinner was Ssambap, a grilled neat with rice and vegetables! Yummy again!

While killing time before we move on to the Miso II, a musical stage play, we went to a truly magnificent nightscape called Anapji Pond - it was breathtaking! The design and play of lights added more aura to the already beautiful pond and beautiful pavilions! Anapji Pond is located in Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongju-si Inwang-dong 26-1.

According to the historical records of ‘Samguk-sagi,’ Anapji Pond was built during the 14th year of King Munmu (in power 661-681 AD) of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC-935 AD). Small mountains were created inside the palace walls, beautiful flowers were planted, and rare animals were brought in to create an exquisitely exotic garden fit for royalty. The pond was originally built in Wolseung Fortress (erected in 101 AD during the Silla period), but the fortress was destroyed and now lies in ruins. In 1974, an excavation project revealed large spherical shapes (measuring 200 meters in diameter and 180 meters in height) which indicated that 3 islands had been located in the pond. Thanks to these important findings and existing historical records, Anapji Pond has been restored to nearly its former glory (Lifted from www.visitkorea.or.kr).

As one of the detached palaces of the Silla royal family’s main palace, this structure was used as the crowned prince’s palace. Imhaejeon is historically the most important building on the property and records often refer to the whole area as ‘Imhaejin.’ An excavation resulted in the discovery of several buildings: Hoerang (corridor area), Anapji Pond, and five towers in the western part of the area. Some sites have been restored while others have been left in their natural state with only the cornerstones poking out from beneath the ground.

We then moved on to the Expo Cultural Center of Gyeongju World Culture Expo, Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongju-si Gyeonggam-ro 614 where we were scheduled to watch MISO II - Silla, The Land of Gods. It started it show since Juy 01, 2012 until December 31, 2012. It is an original Korean musical depicting the history of the Silla Kingdom in three acts. Aside from its dramatic plot, the musical showcases, as I witnessed, a well-blend of ancient music, dance and colorful costumes that date back a thousand years. And I mean colorful costumes which we were able to try before the start of the show! Whew!

We were really amazed by the ancient costume experience!  We all turned into something like a warrior, a king, a queen and what have you! And we were not disappointed either as we were brought back in time to the Silla Dynasty when we watched the musical. The music, the costumes, the dances and the technology all created a visual eye candy for everyone. The use of latest technology in lighting effects gave us an almost real effect of heaven as if you can touch it! Such is Miso II. So if you happen to be in town here in Korea, you may as well consider watching it!

I did not of course miss taking pictures with the main cast after the show as seen above!

We called it a night at Kolon Hotel, a beautiful hotel by the hill which offers good music provided by a Filipino duo at that! We had a good night cap of coffee listening to their music and talking to them. They were so glad to see a Filipino in the hotel! Simply, Koreans love Filipinos and we love 'em back!

I dozed off hoping for another exciting day ahead - our 3rd day of Korea tour!