SOUTH KOREA - Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

"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." -http://whc.unesco.org

Thank you so much Hye Jun Seo for this wonderful UNESCO postcard!

And for imparting interesting current events about your country...=)

SOUTH KOREA - Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes

"Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes together comprise three sites that make up 18,846 ha. It includes Geomunoreum, regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, with its multicoloured carbonate roofs and floors, and dark-coloured lava walls; the fortress-like Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, rising out of the ocean, a dramatic landscape; and Mount Halla, the highest in Korea, with its waterfalls, multi-shaped rock formations, and lake-filled crater. The site, of outstanding aesthetic beauty, also bears testimony to the history of the planet, its features and processes." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1: Dangcheomul Cave

Postcard 2: Yongcheon Cave

Thank you so much Yeon for the wonderful postcards above

and for the interesting stamps you used!

SOUTH KOREA - Gyeongju Historic Areas

"The Gyeongju Historic Areas contain a remarkable concentration of outstanding examples of Korean Buddhist art, in the form of sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces from the flowering, in particular between the 7th and 10th centuries, of this form of unique artistic expression." -http://whc.unesco.org

Thank you so much Irina for this card showing

a very beautiful landscape of the Gyeongju Historic Areas...

SOUTH KOREA - Jongmyo Shrine

"Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Choson dynasty (1392–1910), the shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century." -http://whc.unesco.org

Thank you so much Joy for sending me this card! Glad you enjoyed your stay in Korea!

SOUTH KOREA - Changdeokgung Palace Complex

"In the early 15th century, the Emperor T'aejong ordered the construction of a new palace at an auspicious site. A Bureau of Palace Construction was set up to create the complex, consisting of a number of official and residential buildings set in a garden that was cleverly adapted to the uneven topography of the 58-ha site. The result is an exceptional example of Far Eastern palace architecture and design, blending harmoniously with the surrounding landscape." -http://whc.unesco.org

Postcard 1: Changdeokgung Gajeongdang (house)

Postcard 2: Changdeokgung Yeonghwadang (hall)

Many many thanks to Corey and Kyuhyun for sending me above postcards for my collection...

SOUTH KOREA - Hwaseong Fortress

"When the Choson emperor Chongjo moved his father's tomb to Suwon at the end of the 18th century, he surrounded it with strong defensive works, laid out according to the precepts of an influential military architect of the period, who brought together the latest developments in the field from both East and West. The massive walls, extending for nearly 6 km, still survive; they are pierced by four gates and equipped with bastions, artillery towers and other features." -http://whc.unesco.org

Thank you so much Winnie for my first ever South Korean UNESCO card! =)

So happy! =)