UNESCO - Korean Dolmen Sites

The proper name of this whs is Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, alas I am not sure which site this relates to, or if its one or two of the three sites. In any case, great addition to my collection, thank you Sehan :) 

The prehistoric cemeteries at Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa contain many hundreds of examples of dolmens - tombs from the 1st millennium BC constructed of large stone slabs. They form part of the Megalithic culture, found in many parts of the world, but nowhere in such a concentrated form.

Usually consisting of two or more undressed stone slabs supporting a huge capstone, it is generally accepted that they were simply burial chambers, erected over the bodies or bones of deceased worthies. They are usually found in cemeteries on elevated sites and are of great archaeological value for the information that they provide about the prehistoric people who built them and their social and political systems, beliefs and rituals, and arts and ceremonies.

 

UNESCO - Seokguram Grotto And Bulguksa Temple, South Korea

Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all realistically and delicately sculpted in high and low relief, it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. 

The Temple of Bulguksa (built in 774) and the Seokguram Grotto form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance.

Many thanks to Daniel! :)

The two sites lie 4 kilometres apart. This postcard shows the Seokgatap stone pagoda, designated the 21st National Treasure in 1962. It is sometimes referred to as the Shadowless Pagoda or the Bulguksa Samcheung Seoktap ("three-storied stone pagoda of Bulguksa"). It stands 8.2 meters high, within the Bulguksa Temple complex in Gyeongju.

I have johnson to thank for this great addition to my collection, and the stamps are lovely :))

UNESCO - Changdeokgung Palace Complex, South Korea

Built in The 15th century, the Changdeokgung Palace Complex is an exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape. It occupies a 57.9 ha site in Jongno-gu, in northern Seoul at the foot of Ungbong Peak of Mount Baegaksan - here you can see only a fraction of it (the Nakseonjae complex, built in 1847 as a library and living quarters for King Heonjong), but it gives you an idea just how beautiful this place must be..!

Many thanks to Harleen Park, and the most wonderful stamps! :))

 

UNESCO - Hwaseong Fortress, South Korea

I am really not progressing well with my blogging plans...I have only a week to go and many many beautiful postcards scanned and ready to be posted about. Especially Unesco, and here is one of them - lovely dreamy view of the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon City, in the north-west most populous Gyeonggi province of the Republic of Korea. It was built at the end of the 18th century by King Jeongjo in honour of his father Prince Sado, who was murdered by his own father King Yeongjo (being locked alive inside a rice chest, brr) for not obeying the command to commit suicide. What a story!

Many thanks to Hee Jin, very lucky to tag her!

Korea, Land Of The Morning Calm

I really love this name for Korea, Land of the Morning Calm...and it seems to be so well visualised with this lovely image of 'genealogical table' (as is said at the back of the postcard). Many thanks to Junghuem, and for great stamps..! :)

The Ancient Palaces Of Seoul, South Korea

 

Last autumn I have done a revision of my blog and checked whichever countries I didnt include yet - and for some reason I have skipped South Korea. I have a few postcards from there (which also goes by the name Republic Of Korea), and this one represents the ancient palaces of Seoul. Really happy with this great view and brilliant stamps, thank you Junko :)