Bulguksa Temple
불국사
Top Korean temple representing the Buddha’s world on earth
Meaning “The Land of Buddha,” this temple was built to bring the world of Buddha to earth. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous Dabotap Pagoda, which is featured on the 10 KRW coin. The temple grounds include Birojeon, Geungnakjeon, and Daeungjeon Halls, symbolizing the spiritual realms of Buddha. To reach them, visitors walk up the beautifully designed Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges, followed by Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo. With a mix of stone and wooden architecture, Bulguksa is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art and a must-see cultural heritage site—regardless of your religion.
Highlights
- Daeungjeon Hall
http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=palace#
A main hall enshrining a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha at the center, flanked by Maitreya and Avalokitesvara Bodhisattvas
- Dabotap Pagoda
http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=treasure
National Treasure No. 20 — a stone pagoda located east of Daeungjeon, carved from solid granite with intricate and sophisticated craftsmanship
- Seokgatap Pagoda
http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=treasure
National Treasure No. 21 — a stone pagoda west of Daeungjeon, where the world’s oldest woodblock print, the “Great Dharani Sutra,” was discovered in 1966
- Yeonhwagyo & Chilbogyo Bridges
http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=treasure#
National Treasure No. 22 — stone steps carved with delicate lotus petals on each tier, located in front of Anyangmun Gate of Geungnakjeon
- Cheongungyo & Baegungyo Bridges
http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/bbs/content.php?co_id=treasure#
National Treasure No. 23 — the only fully preserved stone staircase among those built around 751, located in front of Jahamun Gate of Daeungjeon
- Gilt-bronze Seated Vairocana Buddha
문화재청
National Treasure No. 26 — a gilt-bronze seated Buddha statue inside Birojeon, known for its grand scale and superb sculpting technique
Information
- +82547469913
- How to get there11-minute drive from Blue One Water Park, nestled in the scenic Tohamsan Mountain area
- Today08:00 - 18:0008:00 - 18:00
- Insider TipsPaid parking availablePet restrictions