Golguram Hermitage

This hermitage, not far from Gyeongju’s east coast, contained a stone-carved seated Buddha. Steps led to small caves where other statues were contained before I finally reached the four metre high Buddha. It was believed that the Silla Buddha image was carved between the 7^thand 9^thcentury where originally there had been twelve caves at the site.

Gyemyeongam Hermitage

Gyemyeongam Hermitage entrance stood across from Cheongyeonam Hermitage. I discovered after a while that the 100 metre sign wasn’t accurate, but I persisted, climbing the 500 steps until I reached the site.

Cheongyeonam Hermitage

I took the road deeper into the forest away from Beomeosa Temple where a sign pointed to three different hermitages. If I found Beomeosa Temple quiet, this route was dead silent. A handful of faithful knelt before shrines. A few people walked the grounds, but otherwise there was no one.