Thursday, May 27, 2010

Tongdosa Temple in the vicinity of Busan




Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha. Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'

Local Transportation
From Yangsan Terminal, take city bus No. 12, 63, or 67 and get off at Tongdosa Temple (40 min ride).
Seongbo Museum (located within Tongdosa Temple)- Homepage: www.tongdomuseum.or.kr (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)- Hours: 9a.m.-6p.m. (Mar-Oct) (Ticket office closed at 5p.m./ 9a.m.-5p.m. (Nov-Feb) (Tickets office closed at 4:30p.m.) * However, Buddhist Script Exhibition Hall is opened from 9a.m.-11p.m., and 1p.m.~5p.m.- Closing: Every Tuesday, New Year's Day, Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)- Admission FeeAges 19 to 65- 2,000 won (Group: 1,500 won), Ages 13-18 and Over 65- 1,000 won (Group: 700 won)* Groups are more than 30 persons. Children from ages 7 to 12- 1,000 won and 700 won for group.* Preschool students who come as a group are charged 700 won per student (free as individuals). * Disabled and children age 6 and under free of charge. - Admission Inquiries: 82-55-382-1001 (Korean)

Admission Fees
Ages 19 and Over : 2,000 won
Ages 13-18 : 1,500 won
Ages 7-12 : 1,000 won
* Groups are more than 30 persons.* Age 65 and over, age 7 and under admitted free of charge.

Address
Gyeongsangnam-do Yangsan-si Habuk-myeon Jisan-ri 574
telephome :
- Korea Travel Phone +82-55-1330 (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)- Tongdosa Temple Administration Office +82-55-382-7182 (Korean)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Beomeosa Temple in Busan




Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.

Activity Information
* Culture ProgramKorean paper arts , Traditional teaism, Nature dyeing, etc.
Operating Hours: 08:30~17:30

Local Transportation
Subway + Bus: At Beomeosa Station (Busan Subway Line No.1) Exit No.5 or No.7, walk between the two exits along the road for about 5 minutes and you will reach the Samsin bus stop. Take Bus No.90 and you will arrive at Beomeosa Temple Ticket Office.

- Take Bus No. 37, 47, 48, 49-1, 50, 50-1, 80-1, 147, 148, 247, or 301, get off at the last stop and take bus no. 90

Taxi takes 5~10 min.

Taejongdae Resort Park in Busan


Designated as a Busan monument, along with Oryukdo Island, Taejongdae represents Busan, and is especially famous for its rock beach. Featuring its highest peak at 250 meters, there are forests of pine trees and other 200 varieties of trees. Taejongdae was named after the 29th king of Silla Dynasty BC57~AD 935), King TaeJong Mu-Yeol (604~661). King TaeJong had traveled to many places but this was the place he enjoyed shooting arrows. Under the lighthouse of this resort is a rock called Sinseon Rock, named after the myth that gods and goddesses came down here to relax. At this rock is a figure called Mangbuseok, named after the story of a woman who waited for her husband who had been taken to Japan. Taejongdae is also famous for the ritual of praying for rain, performed when there are droughts, and rain on the 10th of lunar May is called the 'Taejong Rain'. On days with clear skies you can see Japan’s Daema Island from the observatory.


Address : Busan-si Yeongdo-gu Dongsam-dong San 29-1


Inquiries
- Korea Travel phone +82-51-1330 (English, Korean, Japanese, Chinese)- For more info +82-51-405-2004, 860-7861~6 (Korean, English)



Tour Course Information
* Taejongdae Tour Course (It takes about 1 hour.) Plaza – Natural Scenery Walkway – Sports Park – Taejongsa – Deungdae – Deungdae Jagalmadang – Deungdae Cruise Boat – Observatory – Namhang View – Gumyeongsa – Taewon Jagalmadang – Taewon Cruise Boat – Gonpo Pool – Gonpo Cruise Boat - Plaza * Course for Lovers Plaza – Deungdae – Deungdae Jagalmadang – Deungdae Cruise Boat – Observatory – Namhang View – Taewon Jagalmadang – Taewon Cruise Boat – Gonpo Cruise Boat – Plaza * Course for Family Youngdo Bridge – 75 Plaza – ‘Jeolyoung beach’ walkway – Taejongdae – Dongsamdong Shell Mound – Busan Bridge * Danubi Train Course Platform – Taejongsa – Youngdo Deungdae – Observatory – Gumyeongsa – Taewon Jagalmadang - Platform * Tour by Cruise boat Dock – Jodo Island – Taejongdae – Haemang-dong Coastline
Operating Hours
04:00 - 24:00 / Cars are allowed to enter after 9:00
Admission Fees
Free
Facility Utilization Fees
* Danubi Train 1) Operating Hours: 09:30 - 20:002) Ticket Price:- Individual : Adults 1,500 won / Youths 1,000 won / Children 600- Group : Adults 1,200 won / Youths 800 won / Children 500 won- Free : Ages under 4 or over 65 visitors / Children´s Day (May 5, only children) / The Day of Persons with Disabilities (April 20, only disabled visitors and a helper)※ Youths : ages 13 - 18 / Children : ages 4 - 13* Ferry1) Ferry Names : Gonpo (곤포) 051-405-2900 / Deungdae (등대) 051-405-3434 / Taewon (태원) 051-403-90982) Fees : Adults 8,000 won / Children (ages under 12) 5,000 won3) Course: Byeongpungbawi Rock (병풍바위) - Observatory - Mangbuseok (망부석) - Sinseonbawi Rock (신선바위) - Yeongdo Lighthouse - Korea Maritime University - Oryukdo Island
Pets Permitted
available
Directions
From Busan Station, take city bus # 88 or 101 and get off at Taejongdae Park (10 min interval / 30 min ride).

busan is korean's principal port & second largest city



busan is the primary port for ferry service to japan and is the gateway to the Hallyeo Martime National Park and its picturesque islands. As an international port city a population of 4 million , busan has first-class hotels and restaurants to match its excellent beaches ,outstanding shopping and sightseeing areas. * from Seoul to Busan - 50min. by air, 3hrs. by KTX train, 4hrs.50min. by samaeulho train from Seoul train station. 4hrs 20min. by bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.




Gwangalli Beach in Bsaun












The Gwanglli beach is the representative ocean travel site favored and visited by people of all ages as well as the youngsters, thanks to high quality,semi-lunar shaped large white beach , and various festivals held dn four seasons which further beautifules the Gwanglli Bridge on the sea. The swimming beach has the total dimension of 82,00m2 ,1.4km of sand length, and 25 110m of sand width.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

The dragon tower & flower clock in YONGDUSAN BUSAN




The Dragon TOWER
tHE Shape of a dragon trying to ascend to heaven symbolizes BUSAN citizen' energetic
power.

FLOWER CLOCK
This is dnly flower clock with second hand of those built in korea and it is decorated with beautiful flowers year round.

YONGDUSAN Park in Busan



YONGDUSAN Park located in the downtown has its present name, YONGDU(meaning 'the head of dragon'), since it is shaped like the park there is a towwer soaning, where
you can command a panoramic view satue of Amiral YI SUN-SIN, the citzen' bell , Flower clock, the museum of world folk musical instruments,the Exhibition hall of world boats,the YONGDUSAN Museum of art, and book cafe.