Monday, April 27, 2009

KIMCHI POTS

In Korea Kimchi Pots are a common sight. They are large terra cotta pots where the kimchi is stored until it can be eaten or until it ferments. Now Kimchi pots are also used as home decoration.





















Friday, April 24, 2009

JANGYU TEMPLE

This Buddhist Temple is located on top of Bulmo Mountain.












































04.10.2009

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

YONGDUSAN PARK & BUSAN TOWER

Yongdusan park is considered a favorite resting place among the citizens of Busan. It is called Yongdusan because the shape of the mountain looks like the head of a dragon that climbs to land from sea. Yongdusan park has an area of about 69,000 ㎡. The Busan Tower is 118 meters high. It's located in Yongdusan Park and the views of the city and surrounding area are great on a sunny day. On a clear day, you can even see Japan (Tsushima Island). Traditional dance troupe perform on weekends in the courtyard next to the tower. Other notable place of interest include a large oceanarium, bell tower, octagonal pavilion, flower clock, and the monuments of Admiran Yi Sun-shin.

























views from the observation deck





















































Wednesday, April 15, 2009

HAEUNDAE's TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Dongbaek Island (designated Busan Metropolitan City Memorial #46) was an island in ancient times. However, accumulation of earth and sand carried from Jwa-dong, Jung-dong, and U-dong by the Chuncheon Stream eventually formed a land bridge, making it an island in name only. Dongbaek Island is thick with camellias and pine trees. The summit contains a bronze statue of Scholar Choi Chi-won (pen name Ko Un) and a monument to his memory.










Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb find of a tourist spot and temple offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line. Most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 during the Goryeo Dynasty. During the reign of Uwang, the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong established this temple beside the sea. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with 4 lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean.


Directions: Haeundae Beach -> Dalmaji Hill -> Songjeong BeachPast the entrance of Songjeong beach is a sign to Yonggung-sa on the left.








Nurimaru APEC House - Located on Dongbaekseom Island, which is noted for its beautiful, natural landscape accented by dense camellia and pine trees, Nurimaru APEC House has been used as a memorial hall and a prestigious international conference hall since the APEC summit meeting. Nurimaru, a 3-story building, is a modernistic expression of “jeongja,” a pavilion in traditional Korean architectural style. Its roof shape symbolizes the ridgeline of Dongbaekseom Island. Its interior design is a visual display of Korea’s creative traditional culture. Admission Fee is free and it's open from 10:00AM - 5:00PM.








Haeundae Beach known as the most visited beach of South Korea Haeundae Busan, is the largest beach in Korea and earned the fame of being one of the eight scenic wonders of South Korea. Spread over a wide area this two kilometer long strip of sand offering a spectacular view of modern high-rises along with the charming seascape. During summer , especially on weekends, the area becomes a wall of humanity. Even during the colder seasons, people still flock here to walk along the boardwalk, fly kites in the ocean breeze, and look for shells in the sand.









The Busan Aquarium contains over 35,000 kinds of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians. This state-of-the-art facility is one of Korea’s top aquariums. The Busan Aquarium covers an area of 36,000 m2 and has 3 underground levels as well as an outdoor park. On the first underground level you can find a simulator, souvenir shop, and several places to eat, while on underground levels 2 and 3 you can find various kinds of aquariums. The third underground level boasts an 80m main (seabed) tunnel. One feels like they are walking along the ocean floor as they pass through this tunnel, with various species of fish and sharks swimming above their heads. This is one of the most popular areas of the aquarium and is guaranteed to be a special experience.The simulator will stretch your imagination and give you the tingling feeling of experiencing life on the ocean floor.



Address: 1411-1 Jung1 - dong
Busan


Local Transportation:

Busan Station: Take the subway from Busan Station on line 1 and then get off at Haeundae Station on line 2. The ride is about 50 minutes. Go out exit #3 or #5 and then walk for about 10 minutes to the aquarium.

Express Buss Terminal: Take the subway from Nopo-dong Station on subway line 1 to Haeundae Station on line 2. It's about a 1 hour ride. Go out exit #3 or #5 and walk for about 10 minutes to the aquarium.

Gimhae Airport: Take bus #307 or #2002 City Coach Bus to Haeundae and get off there. This is approximately a 50~60 minute ride.






Gwangan Bridge is a suspension bridge located in Busan, South Korea. It connects Haeundae-gu to Suryeong-gu. The road surface is about 6,500 meters long, with the bridge as a whole spanning 7,420 meters. It is the longest bridge in the country.




























































































































































HAEDONG YONGGUNGSA TEMPLE - Haeundae, Busan

The magnificent Yonggungsa Temple, Busan is a must see in South Korea. Thousands of tourists as well as pilgrims from different parts of the country come to visit Busan Haedong Yonggungsa Temple. The temple is located on top of a huge rock erected from the ocean. Scenic beauty of the place along with the architectural beauty of the temple makes it a fascinating place where you would always like to come back.

Yonggungsa Temple in Busan is one of the most beautiful Buddhist Temples in Busan with dozens of statues and sculptures. Hakeupbul is a Buddha statue who is known for his blessings for the success of his studies and Deuknambul is a statue of Buddha allowing the birth of an offspring. On entering the premise you will see a cave on the right hand side. There is the Gulbeop Buddhist sanctum inside the cave. Its unique design is sure to capture your eyes. Visit the three-story pagoda with 4 lions located in front of the main sanctuary. These four lions symbolize sadness, anger, joy, and happiness. Along with these you can also visit Haesu Gwaneum Daebul or Seawater Great Goddess Buddha, Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary and Yongwangdang Shrine at the temple complex.


































Other special sites at the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape.































































The main entrance



This is the pagoda at the main entrance





















































04.11.2009