Gyeongju was Korea’s capital during the Silla dynasty, which would explain why many historical landmarks and monuments are found in this city.
One of the top things that you’ll be recommended to do in Gyeongju is none other than visit Bulguksa Temple.
You may be thinking, but what if I don’t like visiting temples? What if I’ve visited enough temples during my time in Korea, in other cities such as Busan?
What makes Bulguksa Temple unique and a must-visit is the fact that it is the head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Containing six (!) National Treasures and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha, it is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. In 1995, Bulguksa was also added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
What to see at Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan in Gyeongju. This is similar to most other temples in Korea, which are located uphill and would require some effort to reach.
Depending on whether you come on the weekday or during weekends/public holidays, the crowd differs quite a bit. We came on a weekday so it wasn’t too crowded, but there are many visitors and devotees who come on other days.
The temple has undergone renovation and restoration since it was built in 528, having survived through various wars over the years.
To enter the main temple compound, you’ll need to go climb a double-sectioned staircase and bridge that is 33 steps high. These 33 steps correspond to the 33 steps to enlightenment in Buddhism.
The lower portion, Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6.3 meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4 meters and has 16 steps. At the end of the stairway, you will reach Jahamun (Mauve Mist Gate).
Our temple visit coincided with Buddha Day, otherwise commonly known as Vesak Day. It would explain why the temple was decorated with so many different lanterns!
From what I understand, devotees would attach their hopes and prayers to each of these lanterns, which are then hung up.
The temple also put up some other lanterns outside on the temple grounds for Buddha Day. There were probably some festivities or celebration, which we unfortunately did not manage to catch.
If you’re wondering why lanterns are being displayed, they actually symbolise respect for Buddha’s teachings. Hence, they are common during Buddhism celebrations!
The entire temple compound is pretty big, so it may take you some time to walk around the grounds.
Daeungjeon Hall, meaning Hall of Great Enlightenment, is the main hall in Bulguksa Temple. It was first built in 681, but later burnt down and reconstructed.
In front of Daeungjeon are two pagodas: Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) and Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda). Both of them are listed as National Treasures.
The below is Seokgatap:
And this is Dabotap! Its structure is quite different from Seokgatap, and is well-known for being highly ornate.
P.S. this pagoda has been reproduced on the South Korean 10 won coin!
Other than the famous pagodas and the gilt-bronze Buddha statue (another National treasure, which unfortunately I don’t have a photo of), there are other artefacts around the temple also worth viewing!
Below is the Bulguksa drum. It is said that the monks will sound it to wake up the creatures of the Earth.
And this is the temple bell!
Although my travel companions and I aren’t Buddhists, we found this temple visit fascinating. It is a little tough to get to, but what you get to see there is worth the journey!
DIRECTIONS
Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
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