Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple · 불국사
Today
Why go
Kim Dae-seong, a chief minister of Silla, started building Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple in 751. In 1995 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto. You can see Dabotap Pagoda and Seokgatap Pagoda facing each other in one courtyard, and admission is free.
Admission
Free
Highlights
History
The chief minister Kim Dae-seong started building Bulguksa (佛國寺) in 751, the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla. The Samguk Yusa records that he built Bulguksa for his parents in this life and Seokguram for his parents in a former life. Kim Dae-seong never finished the temple; the state completed it and made it a temple for praying for the nation's good fortune.
In 1593 most of its buildings burned during the Japanese invasion. Only a few, including Geungnakjeon Hall, Jahamun Gate and Beomyeongnu Pavilion, survived. It was restored to its present form after excavations from 1969 to 1973. In December 1995 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Seokguram.
The grounds hold several stone structures designated as National Treasures. They include Dabotap Pagoda and Seokgatap Pagoda in front of Daeungjeon Hall, the Cheongungyo & Baegungyo Bridges leading up to Jahamun Gate, and the Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo bridges leading up to Geungnakjeon Hall. The gilt-bronze seated Vairocana Buddha of Birojeon Hall and the gilt-bronze seated Amitabha Buddha of Geungnakjeon Hall are also enshrined here.
Getting there
경상북도 경주시 불국로 385
Where next
Photos
Tips
- It is open all year round, and admission is free. The parking lots by the main gate and the public lot all charge a fee.
- By bus, take No. 10 to the last stop, Bulguksa, then walk 3–5 minutes. Buses come about every 20 minutes, so check real-time bus information before you set out.
- The last entry time changes with the season, so check the temple's official information before you go.
Show details
- Address
- 경상북도 경주시 불국로 385
- Admission
- Free