The Way to Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, A Buddhist Style of Making a Road to the Temple.

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It was very cold day when I visited Bulguksa.

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I could not pass away Bulguksa without entering into because of my memory on the past. It was 20 years ago when I had been there last time. Time flies.

I vividly remembered the very last day when I dropped by Gyeongju. It was a very hot summer. My son was 3 years old at that time. He had cried all day long to the way of Bulguksa in the car. It was very difficult to care for the baby at that time. But I am missing that time.

Now my son was conscripted to the Army. I’d like to travel Gyeongju once again with my son.

Anyway, I’d like to introduce Bulgukasa temple from this posting.
Bulkugsa temple was listed on UNESCO in the year of 1995. It means that Bulguksa is the most representative temple of Shilla dynasty.

Before the starting on Bulguksa, it is helpful to study brief history of Bulguksa

Bulguksa is the one of highlight place in traveling Gyeongju, actually it must be the representative architecture of Korea. When you visit Korea, you need to look around Bulguksa essentially.

Bulguksa was built in 528 AD by the premier Kim Daesung. The premier Kim Daesung had built Bulguksa for his parents.
But today’s Bulguka is not original temple of Shilla dynasty.
Bulguksa was fired in 1592 by the Japanese solders during the Japanese Invasion.
After the War against Japan, Choson dynasty had rebuilt Bulguksa again, but Bulguksa was desolated with the collapse of Choson dynasty.

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Bulguksa had been rebuilt several times until today, so we could say Bulguksa of today is a combination architecture between Shilla and Choson Dynasty. The Stone base is a work of Shilla dynasty and the wooden building is a Choson dynasty’s architecture.

What I’d like to post today is the approaching way to Bulguksa.
None of specialists seemed to concentrate in the way to Bulguksa.
But in my point of view, we need to focus to the very starting point to Bulguka.

One of the interest thing was Bulguksa could not be seen at the entrance of the Temple.

Of course in many cases, we could not look at the main temple building from the entrance.
But the style of Bulguksa is different from other temples.
The way from the entrance gate to the main building was bended slightly in purpose.
The way to the main building was made in Curving model.

Maybe when this temple was built, the width of the road was much more narrow than that of now days.
In my opinion, narrow road must be more suitable to the philosophy of Buddhism
Narrow road could show the Buddhist philosophy better than Wide road.
Indirectness is the essence of Buddhist philosophy.

There were 2 roads to the main building, one is front gate, the other is backward gate.
Both of them have same system of indirectness.

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In the case of front gate, they made a small pond to make a curve of the road to the main building.

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Why did they make a curve on the road ?
In my guess, their goal seemed for cooling and slowing down the feeling of people at last moment.

When you visit Bulguksa, you need to keep in mind the meaning of a curve of the road.
It must be the first button to enjoy Bulguksa.

Thank you for reading.



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137 comments
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OMG What a wonderful photography and informative
I liked your trip
Full of culture and traditions filled with a spirit of renewal :)

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wow. you can really see its history on that images. perfectly captured.

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The curve in the road... Interesting design... To delay the pleasure of the visitor until the last moment :-)

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I stayed in the Football World Cup for 40 days from Seoul. I would like to go to Gyeongju. Thanks for sharing. @slowwalker

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가는 길을 곡선으로 만드는 것은 저번에 다른 포스팅에서 설명해주셨던 것과 이유가 비슷한 거군요. 길마저 아름다움으로 표현하려고 했던 선조들의 생각을 알아볼 수 있네요.

제 여자친구인 올라도 한국에 오면 꼭 불국사를 구경하고 싶어합니다. 비교적으로 외국인에게 잘 알려진 경주와 저번에 올리신 곳 중에 낙화암이 흥미로워서 데려가 볼 생각입니다.

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hopefully his journey well both my good friend yes .. and the city is very old yes yes my friend .. success always make your friends yes @slowwalker

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My opinion is that the curve was made to create a bit of suspense and curiosity about what they are going to know, on the other hand it hurts us a lot when our children go their own way, but we must understand. Greetings friend

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오래전에 가본 불국사가 다시 살아나는군요. 잘보고,잘읽었습니다.^^

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the trip is very impressive, and need strong manpower, your trips make people impressed, and a thrill ride ,, and you have lots of experience about the journey, success for you friends, @slowwalker i'm very happy to read your post

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(Edited)

Well before i really did not know Bulguksa in a historical way. It has huge infrastructural importance in cultural heritage. I am also convinced that you are one of the most skilled photographer as you really know the art of lens-using. Thanks a lot for this awesome photography, being a student of cultural studies it means a lot to me <3 :)

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Thank you so much for your comment.
I'm a novice in Photo.
I did nothing, just camera itself did everything

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(Edited)

You are such a kind and wonderful human being too, nice to meet you :-)

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Aww! This is please to read... Good piece of info

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You make me hungry to get a look at Bulguksa. We are not any more so far away from the country. Lets see, maybe we will make a small trip to it in the next months.

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Have a nice trip in next month.
Travel always makes our spirit rich

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Thanks for sharing us your knowledge and experience, @slowwalker! I guess you might be right about the road curve - it's every tourist's opportunity to walk slowly and enjoy the moment for a little longer. 😊

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Yes, it was happy when I walked through the curved road.

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There are so many beautiful and unique palaces and temples around Korea. I have managed to get to quite a few, but I am always looking for more to visit and I will definitely add this one to my list! Mainly I have stayed around Seoul so far, so I can't wait to travel out further!

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It is always right decision to travel many places as soon as possible

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The pictures are amazing. Seeing the ruins and what it has been rebuilt into, is quite commendable.

Indirectness is the essence of Buddhist philosophy.

You are really vast and your research game on point sir.
How is your son doing in the Army sir? Would have been nice to see you go there again with him, after 20 years. Enjoyed reading this, as always.

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Thank you for comment
My son is fine, he doesn't like to serve in the Army though.

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Wow! Personal choice i am sure. Glad to know he is fine.

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I remember doing a temple stay at bulguksa about 5 years ago, it was a really cool experience but also terrible haha. Seeing how the monks live and train was amazing, we had to walk out our bowls with warm water and kimchi, then drink the remainders. Going to bed at 9pm and waking up at 4:30 was not something I enjoyed, but it was a cool experience

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Hahaha
Yes, getting up early is terrible for me. I am a night owl.

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Ahh, I've been to Bulguksa before. It's a very beautiful temple. I went with some Korean friends I made and we had a great time walking through and taking photos.
20160903_171048.jpg

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No wonder if this temple is listed by UNESCO. It is full of history, thriving through worst times and look at it now! It is beautiful yet looks sturdy and strong.

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Yes, like other architectures, Bulguksa have went through difficulties

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You are really a slowwalker. You have captured all the beautiful sights.

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I feel the road constructed for walking and to get the spirit of holi!

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Amazing photos

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Wish I could take such nice pictures, great work

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Great fotos. Seem like an interesting temple. Thanks for sharing your journeys

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wow....My opinion is that the curve was made to create a bit of suspense and curiosity about what they are going to know, on the other hand it hurts us a lot when our children go their own way, but we must understand. Greetings friend

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Wow, lovely art.
The way these guys from Japan, China, Korea look same, their art looks same too haha.

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lol
The thought of Buddhism is not different.

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Thanks for the good read and ice post! I've never been to any temple. I wonder what's the feeling to be inside there.

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OK, I will introduce Buddhist temple in next posting

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informative and incredilbe photos@Slowwalker History Never Really says Goodbye, History says, SEE you Later. By @Eduardo Galeano

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Great images! if you have time take a look at my blog

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a beautiful place I so want to go there.

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Wow qué impresionantes fotografías

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I always enjoy your walking us through history. It's amazing the depth of effort and architectural genius evident by even at that time. Now, I can say I've been to Bulguksa temple

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Exotic ancient building...
Beautiful vista of the journey.

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(Edited)

Nice and good information . I always read your post and its good for informations about South korea . I will visit south korea soon thanks @slowwalker 😊

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Excelente historia, muy buenas fotos. Me gusto mucho el post.

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전에 가족과 불국사에 다녀왔는데 정말 아름다운 곳입니다

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I see how the title is connected to the post. I wonder if it was really smaller than before like you said. The frozen pond looks beautiful.

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This building represents a Generational transition. The technology improvement over time is just beautiful.
How they tried to keep the real antique structure even with all the improvements is just awesome.

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So it is said that the present structure is little bit different from original version of Shilla dynasty

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Wow, the place looks awesome and through your posts, I have seen many beautiful sites and museums in Korea. Makes me want to visit asap. Thank you so much for sharing all these beautiful sites with us. Today, I discussed about Reward Pool Rape: Downside of Steem Blockchain innovate nature in my post-I would like you to check it out in order to get your insight to the issue . I wish you a blessed weekend.

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praise @charles is worth the thumbs up and deserves a vote, because it is very unusual pujkan which is given for this post.

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An interesting journey and a great accompaniment to the history of photographs. And your feelings about your grown son are so touching. When our children are young, education takes a lot of energy and brings trouble. But looking back, when children grow up, there is a lack of those days and worries. Childhood is so fleeting. I try to remember every moment now while my kids are still little.

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Yes, I think time with kids is the most precious in our life

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Good evening, how long do soldiers have to stay in the army in Korea? I like the architecture very much , cause it remind me about computer games that I played in the past. The Asian roofs, the style of it has a peaceful aura to me. Interresting opinion about the curve on the road, and I will remember your words, even I will see a curve on the road in Germanay, it is true it is slowing down, ..Same with cars. Thanks for that!

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Thank you for comment.
Young boys need to serve in the Army for 21 months

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I love to read your post, you write neatly about history ..
And like to reestim your post.
Regards compact Steemit community ..
By, @imranpase

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I guess I don't need to go to Korea anymore because of your posts. Haha. Thanks for sharing! I get to know more from your posts. :)

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(Edited)

Thank you for your compliment.lol

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(Edited)

haloo wow @slowaker bangungan and the scenery is very beautiful in the eye, and very amazing renovations are done very luxuriously against the museums. best regards steemians @ adnan-mp can describe the development of highly developed areas. and beautiful with a wooden tree.

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I post good quality memes, to entertain The Whole Community, check my timeline!!!

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I post good quality memes, to entertain The Whole Community, check my timeline!!!

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Peaceful and beautiful! When you're in nature you receive more than you expect! With this fine architecture, this combination is simply breathtaking.
Cheers!

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The way to Bulguksa is very refreshing indeed because of the curving roads with greenery and waters near the imposing gate. It is truly a UNESCO site because of the given beauty and historical value of the place.

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hello friend steem scenery beautiful museum pictures.

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I enjoyed reading the history about Bulguksa. Thank you again for sharing!

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A great story. Thank you for telling us about these wonderful roads to the temple. Good luck to you.

Великолепная история. Спасибо, что рассказали об этих замечательных дорогах к храму. Удачи Вам.

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Really great captures and there is so much calm, quiet and serene atmosphere around these shots, loved them... the curved roads are Intriguing... besides one interesting article. Thanks for sharing.

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I had go there a few years ago, and the place was so beautiful. I just know the history about it. Thank you.

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so beautiful photos thanks for your post dear

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Nice posting my friend.. I think someday come to that place and take a photo with steemit logo

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A really impressive shot, incredible

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The place looks really peaceful wanna go there, nice shots by the way!

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Hi slowwalker
Very interesting stories and interesting building designs in your photos.
Thanks for sharing with me and have a fantastic day.

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Good photography my favorite post 😎

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불국사 건물의 역사를 알게되어서 감사합니다

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wow! excellent post, congratulations for the great publication. I will be waiting to comment and vote. Successes @slowwalker

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Me encantaría conocer ese lugar, muy linda fotografía, saludos desde Venezuela

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The curved roads add to the beauty and makes you focus and be in the moment. It may have been intentional to make people enjoy the beauty of nature all around. Very beautiful pictures

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This is one of the most beautiful places I've seen! Oriental philosophy captures me! Thanks for the interesting story, friend @slowwalker!

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very beautiful photography well done

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I wonder if your son will remember what he saw when he was 3 years old.

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the story @slowwalker, so interesting and i am hoping someday i can also visit that very nice place

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It's great to see the temple. It's such a great historical place. I wish I go there. The view is very nice. Thanks man

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