A travelogue of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, a place where a thousand years of time have stopped

#Domestic travel

If you are planning a trip to Gyeongju, how about Bulguksa Temple? Gyeongju is all about history and culture. Bulguksa Temple is right in the center of it all!

📍 Where is it?
Location: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Transportation: About 30-40 minutes by bus no. 10/11 from downtown Gyeongju
Parking: Large parking lot available (paid)

🏛️ What kind of place is Bulguksa Temple?

Bulguksa Temple is a historic temple considered the essence of Buddhist art from the Silla period. It was founded in 528 during the reign of King Beopheung, and is currently designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you walk through the quiet mountain temples such as Daeungjeon Hall, Dabotap Pagoda, Seokgatap Pagoda, Cheongungyo Bridge, Baekungyo Bridge, and Beomyeongru Pavilion, you will encounter art created by nature and humans together.

✨ Must-see points at Bulguksa Temple
🪨 1. Dabotap & Seokgatap (National Treasure No. 20, 21)
- The symbolic harmony of the two towers facing each other
- Seokgatap is simple, Dabotap is gorgeous
- The very same tower that looks like it was seen on a 10 won coin!

🧱 2. Cheongungyo and Baekungyo
- The symbolic stone steps leading to the entrance and main hall of Bulguksa Temple
- If you take each step with a devout heart, you will feel your mind being purified.

🛕 3. Daeungjeon and Geungnakjeon
- The central main hall where the Buddha's sarira is enshrined
- The interior is not open to the public, but the exterior architecture alone is impressive

📷 4. Beomyeongru (放影樓)
- A pavilion in harmony with the pond, a great photo spot! - It presents different scenery throughout the four seasons — cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and even snow are all beautiful

💡 Bulguksa Temple Operation Guide
- Operating hours: 09:00 ~ 18:00 (Last admission 18:00, Exit 19:00)
- Admission: Free
- Viewing time: Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes, good for leisurely looking around
- Parking fee: 2,000 won

📸 Life shot points
- Between Dabotap & Seokgatap: If you take a picture in the center, it feels like a postcard
- Looking up from under the stairs of Cheongungyo Bridge
- Reflection of the pond in front of Beomyeongru

#Gyeongju #Gyeongju travel #Places to visit in Gyeongju