[467 Trip] Gyeongju, A Thousand Years of History Endure

   Gyeongju, the millennium capital of the Silla Dynasty (B.C. 57 ~ A.D. 935), is a city rich in historical artifacts and sites. As a cultural hub, Gyeongju allows visitors to deeply understand Korean history and culture through cultural heritage sites such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Cheomseongdae. In particular, Gyeongju is home to many relics that reflect the development of Silla’s Buddhist culture and scientific advancements, making it a key center for academic research. The saying, “everywhere you dig in Gyeongju, you unearth history,” indicating how history is embedded in every corner of this city. This suggests that the entire city functions as a vast open-air museum, offering a unique experience where the past and present coexist. Gyeongju is more than just a tourist destination; it is a place where the magnificent culture of ancient Korea comes alive, providing visitors with a profound understanding of history. Additionally, Gyeongju blends traditional culture with modern elements, offering visitors diverse experiences and a deep sense of Korea’s historical identity. The artifacts and sites in Gyeongju continue to testify to their historical value, and as the city has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, its importance is recognized worldwide.

Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

   Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju is a representative Silla-era temple registered as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on Mount Toham, Bulguksa Temple is a famous destination known for its unique architectural beauty and historical value. Particularly, the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (Geumdongdaebul), Dabotap, and Seokgatap are symbolic relics of Bulguksa Temple, showcasing the pinnacle of Silla architectural skills through their delicate carvings and beautiful forms. Dabotap, in particular, is familiar to Koreans as it is depicted on the 10-won coin.

   The architecture of Bulguksa Temple contains many symbolic meanings. The temple is divided into three main spaces. The area centered around the Daeungjeon Hall behind the two pagodas symbolizes the present world, while the Gwaneumjeon Hall and Birojeon Hall behind it symbolize the past. Additionally, the part of the Seokgatap to the west, the Gukrakjeon Hall, represents the future world, specifically the Pure Land. Thus, the structure of Bulguksa Temple, divided into these three sections, is said to represent the Buddha’s country, an ideal world as imagined by the Silla people. In the serene atmosphere of Bulguksa Temple, visitors can glimpse into the Buddhist culture of ancient Silla.

   Bulguksa Temple has experienced significant changes over time. During the Imjin War (1592) that took place when Japan invaded Joseon, most of its wooden structures and precious treasures were destroyed by fire or looted. Before 1920, only some of the buildings and pagodas remained in a damaged state, but through continuous restoration and conservation, it has regained its stature as a major temple housing seven national treasures by 1973.

   Just a short drive from Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It is an impressive site where the Buddhist statues and sculptures are perfectly harmonized. Inside Seokguram Grotto, there is a stone Buddha placed within the grotto, and its size and beauty leave a lasting impression on visitors. Seokguram Grotto is one of Gyeongju’s most significant cultural heritage sites, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and Buddhist artistry of the Silla period.

   Seokguram Grotto is a masterpiece that combines architecture, science, art, and religion, showcasing the advanced technology and artistic achievements of Silla. The ceiling of Seokguram Grotto is a dome structure made by precisely stacking 360 square stones. In the center of the ceiling, there is a 20-ton lotus-shaped capstone, and its creation required the precise placement and arrangement of the stones. The architectural technique of Seokguram Grotto is particularly remarkable because it was built without the use of adhesive, with the stones carefully stacked to form the dome.

   Additionally, Seokguram Grotto has scientific measures in place to prevent condensation due to temperature differences. A device to help air circulation within the grotto is designed with gaps between the cell and the supporting wall stones to allow airflow. This ensures that the interior of Seokguram Grotto remains well-ventilated and comfortable. The exterior walls of Seokguram Grotto are designed with precisely cut stones, creating a gravel layer that facilitates the flow of air and helps maintain the internal environment.

   Furthermore, the floor of Seokguram Grotto utilizes the flow of groundwater to regulate temperature. As groundwater flows through the rock foundation beneath the main Buddha statue, the temperature of the floor becomes lower than that of the walls, preventing condensation from forming on the Buddha’s surface. Thanks to this scientific design, It maintains a dry and comfortable internal environment. This combination of architectural brilliance and scientific foresight makes Seokguram Grotto a prime example of the advanced knowledge and creativity of the Silla people.

 Cheomseongdae, the Silla’s Observatory

   Cheomseongdae is a landmark built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of the Silla Dynasty, and is one of the oldest astronomical observatories in Korea. It is an iconic structure that represents the scientific and technological achievements of the Silla period. Cheomseongdae was an important place for observing stars and studying celestial movements, providing insights into how the people of Silla understood the universe.

   The architectural design of Cheomseongdae also shows the impact of Buddhist cosmology, which was closely connected to the culture and beliefs of the Silla Dynasty. The alignment of the structure with the cardinal directions and its exact measurements indicate that it had a dual purpose—for observing astronomy and also symbolizing the harmony between nature and human society. Furthermore, some scholars argue that Cheomseongdae may have served as a ritual space where astronomical events were linked to royal ceremonies and state affairs, emphasizing the connection between celestial movements and governance. This dual purpose highlights the sophistication of Silla’s scientific and spiritual understanding of the universe.

   The stones that make up Cheomseongdae each have specific meanings. The upper part of the observatory is round, while the lower part is square, symbolizing the heavens and the earth, respectively. The approximately 365 stones that make up Cheomseongdae represent the days of the year, and the 27 stone layers represent Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla. The upper part, including the observation stone, is divided into 29 and 30 layers, symbolizing the days of a lunar month. In addition, the 12 layers above and below the windows represent the 12 months of the year and the 24 solar terms. Through these design features, Cheomseongdae reveals its use in determining farming seasons and predicting the country’s fate based on celestial movements.

   Designated as National Treasure No. 31 in 1962, Cheomseongdae has been meticulously preserved and serves as a key educational site for both domestic and international visitors, offering insights into the scientific achievements of the Silla period. In particular, comparative studies with modern astronomy have brought renewed attention to Cheomseongdae’s function and its precise architectural principles. These studies continue to shed light on how Silla’s culture and scientific knowledge contributed to the broader East Asian civilization.

   Cheomseongdae is the oldest astronomical observatory in the East, making it a valuable cultural heritage that showcases the high level of scientific knowledge during the Silla Dynasty. The beautiful appearance and historical significance of Cheomseongdae make it one of the must-visit sites in Gyeongju.

   Gyeongju is a truly living museum of history and culture. Iconic sites like Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, and Cheomseongdae offer visitors a vivid glimpse into the rich history of ancient Korea. As such, Gyeongju is a unique destination where one can experience the past’s timeless culture and heritage. Gyeongju welcomes tourists with its beautiful natural environment as well as history and culture. Visiting Gyeongju allows for a deeper appreciation of its historical significance and beauty. In fact, when The Dongguk Post asked international students to recommend top tourist destinations in Korea, Gyeongju consistently topped the list. Why not take a journey through time and explore Gyeongju, where you can enjoy its rich cultural heritage and the distinct beauty of each season?