Overview
Bulguksa Temple (Temple of the Buddha Land) is one of Koreas most famous Buddhist temples, located on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. Founded in 528 CE during the Silla Dynasty and extensively reconstructed by Kim Daeseong in 751 CE, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 along with Seokguram Grotto.
History
Foundation
The temple was founded in 528 CE during the reign of King Beopheung of Silla, reportedly for his mother, Lady Yeongjae. It was originally called Hwaeom Bulguksa or Beopryusa.
Reconstruction
In 751 CE, Prime Minister Kim Daeseong undertook a major reconstruction of Bulguksa for his present-life parents and Seokguram for his past-life parents. The main structures and stone artifacts were created during this period.
Imjin War and After
Most wooden buildings were destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1593. The temple was rebuilt several times thereafter, with major restoration work conducted from 1969 to 1973.
Major Cultural Properties
National Treasures
| Cultural Property | Designation | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dabotap Pagoda | National Treasure No. 20 | Masterpiece of Silla stone pagodas, unique design |
| Seokgatap Pagoda | National Treasure No. 21 | Refined beauty of a three-story stone pagoda |
| Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges | National Treasure No. 23 | Stairways leading to Jahamun Gate |
| Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges | National Treasure No. 22 | Stairways leading to Anyangmun Gate |
| Gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha | National Treasure No. 26 | Main Buddha of Birojeon Hall |
| Gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha | National Treasure No. 27 | Main Buddha of Geungnakjeon Hall |
Seokgatap and Dabotap
These twin pagodas standing in front of Daeungjeon Hall are symbols of Bulguksa. Seokgatap exhibits elegant simplicity while Dabotap displays elaborate ornamentation, together representing the pinnacle of Silla stone pagoda artistry.
Architectural Layout
Bulguksa is divided into three main areas: Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, and Birojeon precincts.
- Daeungjeon - Main hall enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha
- Geungnakjeon - Hall enshrining Amitabha Buddha
- Birojeon - Hall enshrining Vairocana Buddha
- Gwaneumjeon - Hall enshrining Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva
UNESCO World Heritage
In December 1995, Bulguksa was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Seokguram Grotto. UNESCO praised Bulguksa as "a crystallization of Silla Buddhist art."
Visitor Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province |
| Admission | 6,000 KRW (Adult) |
| Hours | 07:00-18:00 (varies by season) |