A trip to Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, where autumn foliage is beautiful 🍁

#FallTravel #GyeongjuTravel

Gyeongju is home to many beautiful photo spots filled with autumn flowers, but the most beautiful fall foliage is undoubtedly Bulguksa Temple 👍

🍁 Silla's Autumn, Bulguksa Temple

✅️ Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

✅️ Hours: Daily 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM / Last admission: 5:00 PM
✅️ Admission: Free
✅️ Special Features: Pets not allowed

With the revision of the Cultural Heritage Protection Act, admission will be free starting in 2023. However, parking fees apply! 2,000 won for passenger cars/mid-sized vehicles, 4,000 won for large vehicles (buses).

From the moment you step into Bulguksa Temple, you'll feel like you've stepped through a portal to another world. It's like filming a time-slip drama.

🍁 Bulguksa Museum

✅️ Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 (March-September) / 9:00-17:00 (October-February)
* Closed every Monday and public holidays / Last admission 30 minutes before closing time
✅️ Admission: Adults ₩2,000 / Youths (Children) ₩1,000

✅️ Special Features: No photography allowed

The Bulguksa Museum opened in 2018. It showcases the history of Bulguksa Temple from the Unified Silla period to the modern era, along with the reliquary of the Seokgatap Pagoda, a national treasure, Buddhist statues and paintings, and donated artifacts.

Photography is not allowed inside. However, there's plenty to see, including a look at the history of Bulguksa Temple, the reliquary from the Seokgatap Pagoda, and even a video of the pagoda's restoration. The APEC Joint Special Exhibition is also being held from October 1st to December 7th, so it's definitely worth checking out!

🍁 Peak Fall Foliage

The autumn I saw at Daereungwon Royal Tomb in Gyeongju was just a taste. I experienced the true autumn I hadn't experienced before at Bulguksa Temple.

The entire temple was ablaze with red leaves. I've been here every season except winter, but Bulguksa Temple in autumn is a sight you don't want to miss. It's truly beautiful.

We enjoyed the autumn foliage at the entrance to Bulguksa Temple, and now it's time to explore Silla history, seeing, feeling, and contemplating the cultural heritage sites firsthand.

🍁 Silla History Tour

Bulguksa Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site, is said to have been built during the reign of King Gyeongdeok of the Unified Silla Dynasty. Past the majestic Four Guardian Kings, you'll come across the granite stone bridges of Cheongungyo and Baekungyo. This is National Treasure No. 23, and I always remember taking group photos here on our school field trips. :)

The Dancheong (traditional Korean painting) at Bulguksa Temple is beautiful in any season, but it complements the deep autumn colors perfectly. The graceful, jade-colored rafters, spaced evenly, are a delight to behold, and their unique appearance, unlike anything we see in our everyday lives, makes them feel even more special.

🍁 Dabotap and Seokgatap

Dabotap and Seokgatap (Bulguksa Temple's three-story stone pagoda), two of Korea's most famous stone pagodas known even to children, are designated National Treasures No. 20 and 21, respectively. It's adorable to see children constantly shouting "10 won" next to Dabotap. :)

On clear days, this place is beautifully illuminated, and on cloudy days, it's enveloped in clouds, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of heaven.

🍁 People's Wishes

Passing through the treasured Daeungjeon Hall, you'll come across Museoljeon Hall, where you can offer prayers on lotus lanterns. The area in front of Museoljeon Hall is filled with beautiful, colorful lanterns, filled with the fervent prayers of countless people. Hanging a wish at Bulguksa Temple would be a meaningful part of any fall trip. 🙏