This is from a series of films by Global Television shot all over world, giving well photographed introductions to various places, of which we will be focusing on the ones of interest to Buddhists.
The films are quite light introductions to their subjects, mainly good photography, well chosen soundtracks, and a reasonable, but sometimes inaccurate, narration giving a cultural and historical introduction to its subject.
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Today’s episode looks at the coastal city of Gyeong Ju, which was the capital during the Silla kingdom period, which flourished during the 7th-9th centuries and survived for some time after.
During that time Gyeong Ju was one of the major metropolitan centers in the world, and has produced some of the most interesting artifacts ranging from Temples, Shrines and sculptures.
It is also known for its burial mounds, which are quite striking, half way between the mountain tombs built by the Chinese emperors and the stūpa of familiar design in Buddhist countries.
Gyeong Ju is often known as an open museum because of the wealth of cultural artifacts spread out over a large area in and around the city, and should be on anyone’s visit list for South Korea.