To
reach Golgulsa one must drive about 1.1 Kilo upstream from the main
road at Andong Village. A foot trail must be taken into the leftfoothills.
After a two minute walk a small reservoir is reached. At a junction
behind the lake the left trail is taken. The walking time is about
30 minutes.
Golgulsa (Bone Cave Hermitage) is located
among a cluster of pale white cliffs which gives the impression
of bleached bones. The cliff rock is soft and flaky with numerous
holes pock-marking the area. The little hermitage is small with
only one priest who is a third generation caretaker.
Beyond
the hermitage the impressive relief Buddha image of the Historic
Buddha looms above. It is considered one of the finest Silla carvings
but unfortunately because of the composition of the cliff much of
the image has already fallen away. The face is amazingly clear and
well preserved, possibly because over the centuries it has been
virtually impossible to climb the cliff to mutilate it.
Flame
and cloud designs soar behind the image while lotus petals also
radiate from behind the head. There is no historical record concerning
Golgulsa. A legend tells that the unknown sculptor fell to his death
before its completion. The right hand is pointed out as being still
incomplete.
Some scholars wonder if this was not the cave
referred to tin the Samkukyusa (Legends of the Three Kingdoms) relating
to the death of priest Wonhyo. It is mentioned that when Wonhyo
died his bones were crushed and pulverized into a life-size image
by his son Seolchong. He went to live in a cottage near a cave where
his father once lived.
As there are not many natural caves
around Kyongju and since Kirimsa Temple was frequently visited by
Wonhyo, these cave formations of Kulkolsa are strongly suspected
as being Wonhyo's residence in his final days and associated with
his death. However, scholars are quick to point out that this is
purely speculation.
Golgulsa is remote and difficult to
find. The remains of a former wooden pagoda indicate the antiquity
of the temple dating to the pre-unification of Silla. To spend a
day within the temple vicinity and Golgulsa will be a rewarding
experience. The beauty of the countryside during each season provides
for the adventurous tourist rare glimpses into the exquisite grandeur
of the Korean landscape.
To
reach Golgulsa one must drive about 1.1 Kilo upstream from the main
road at Andong Village. A foot trail must be taken into the leftfoothills.
After a two minute walk a small reservoir is reached. At a junction
behind the lake the left trail is taken. The walking time is about
30 minutes. 
Flame
and cloud designs soar behind the image while lotus petals also
radiate from behind the head. There is no historical record concerning
Golgulsa. A legend tells that the unknown sculptor fell to his death
before its completion. The right hand is pointed out as being still
incomplete.