Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and is a globally recognized historical site as well as an iconic landmark of Gyeongju. The temple's exquisite beauty and the outstanding artistic value of its stone artifacts are universally acknowledged. Bulguksa Temple was originally built in the 15th year (528 AD) of King Beopheung (r. 514–540), the 23rd ruler of the Silla Dynasty. At that time, it was called Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple or Beopryu Temple. The reconstruction project, led by Kim Dae-seong (700–774) during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (r. 742–765) and completed in 774 during the reign of King Hyegong (r. 765–780), spanned 17 years before the temple was officially named Bulguksa. Throughout the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392) and Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910), the temple underwent multiple renovations and grew in fame. However, in 1593, during the reign of King Seonjo (r. 1567–1608), the wooden structures were completely burned down after 819 years, due to the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592–1598). Reconstruction began around 1604 (the 37th year of King Seonjo’s reign) during the Joseon Dynasty and continued through partial restorations over 40 times until the reign of King Sunjo (1790–1834) in 1805. Nevertheless, many buildings were later damaged or stolen, facing numerous calamities. In 1969, the Bulguksa Restoration Committee was established, and by 1973, structures such as Museoljeon Hall, Gwaneumjeon Hall, Birojeon Hall, the scripture depository, and corridors—left only as ruins—were restored. Major sections including Daeungjeon Hall, Geukrakjeon Hall, Banhyeongru Pavilion, and Seokgatap Gate were also repaired. Currently, Bulguksa Temple houses numerous cultural treasures, including the Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21), Yeonhwasaji Bridge/Chilbogyo Bridge (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongungyo Bridge/Baegungyo Bridge (National Treasure No. 23), Bronze Vairocana Buddha Statue (National Treasure No. 26), Bronze Amitabha Buddha Statue (National Treasure No. 27), and the Reliquary Stupa (Tangible Cultural Property No. 61). The Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas, as the most representative ancient pagodas in Korea, were designated as National Treasures in 1962. Both stand 10.4 meters tall and are located on the eastern and western sides of the courtyard between Daeungjeon Hall and Seokgatap Gate. Dabotap is on the east, while Seokgatap is on the west. Seokgatap has three stories and is built upon a two-tiered platform, representing one of Korea’s most iconic pagodas. Dabotap is an octagonal pagoda constructed on a cross-shaped base, with stone steps and four-cornered railings surrounding it. The pagoda features exquisitely refined craftsmanship that has endured through centuries. The architectural sophistication of Dabotap and Seokgatap represents the pinnacle of Unified Silla art from the 8th century, masterfully blending square, octagonal, and circular elements into a unique style. Daeungjeon Hall and Geukrakjeon Hall are spaces for chanting scriptures and worshiping Buddha. To the east of the path leading to these halls are Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges, and to the west are Yeonhwasaji and Chilbogyo Bridges. Cheongungyo and Baegungyo connect Daeungjeon Hall and Seokgatap Gate, symbolizing the link between the secular world and the Buddhist realm. Together, they have 33 steps—the lower Cheongungyo has 17, and the upper Baegungyo has 16. These bridges represent youth and old age, symbols of life. Their design, where stairs are transformed into bridge forms, is uniquely rare as the only fully preserved Silla-era bridges, making them invaluable national treasures. On the west side, Yeonhwasaji and Chilbogyo Bridges connect Geukrakjeon Hall and Anrakmun Gate. Legend says only devotees who have attained enlightenment can cross. These bridges have 18 steps—Yeonhwasaji has 10 in the lower section, and Chilbogyo has 8 above. Smaller than Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, they share a very similar architectural style. Each step of Yeonhwasaji is adorned with lotus petals, though many are now blurred or worn away. This bridge is no longer open to the public. Together with Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, these bridges are among the most representative structures of Bulguksa Temple. To the left of Cheongungyo and Baegungyo is Banhyeongru Pavilion. Built in 751 AD, it was damaged during the Imjin War in 1593 and later restored twice during the Joseon Dynasty. The current structure was rebuilt in 1973 on a smaller scale. Banhyeongru has a top-wide, middle-narrow, and bottom-wide shape. Of its supporting stone pillars, every eight are made from different materials and positioned toward the four cardinal directions, giving it a highly distinctive architectural style. Inside Banhyeongru, there is a large drum placed atop a stone-carved turtle.

Location: 15, Chinsun-dong, Gyeongju-si, North Gyeongsang Province

Admission: 4,000 KRW

Opening Hours: 07:00 - 17:30

Transportation: Take city bus No. 10 or 11, or intercity buses No. 101 or 102 from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal, Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, or Gyeongju Station, and get off at Bulguksa Temple Parking Lot (approx. 40 minutes). Alternatively, take a taxi from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal (approx. 20–25 minutes).

Notes: 1. Inquiry: Bulguksa Ticket Office +82-54-746-9912 (Korean), Bulguksa Tourist Information Center +82-54-746-4747 (Korean/English/Japanese/Chinese) 2. Website: http://www.bulguksa.or.kr (Korean/English/Japanese) 3. Opening Hours: Winter (Nov–Feb) 07:00 - 17:30 / Summer (Mar–Oct) 07:00 - 18:00 4. Admission Fees: Category | Adults (19+) | Teens (13–18) | Children (7–12) | Individual 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 | Group (30+) 4,000 | 2,500 | 1,500 ※ Free for seniors (65+) and children under 6

Gyeongju, South Korea