Bulguksa Temple 불국사 is arguably the most popular attraction in Gyeongju along with Anapji Pond 안압지 which is extremely picturesque at night.
Bulguksa is located on the slopes of Mt Toham and the temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 together with Seokguram Grotto, which is about four KMs east (Seokguram Grotto is a walk-able distance from Bulguksa and of coarse there are also buses available).
If you are wanting to travel to Bulguksa Temple from the city center, buses are the easiest way: From Gyeongju Intercity / Express Bus Terminal – Take Bus10 or 11 from the bus stop located across the street from Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal. Get off at Bulguksa Temple (불국사) Bus Stop. Travel time: approximately 1 hour. If you have or are hiring a car then its a pretty easy drive. The road up to Seokguram Grotto is quite winding but very safe and only about 10 minutes. I hope you enjoy my pictures of Bulguksa Temple below 🙂
The road leading up to Bulguksa is best viewed in Spring or Autumn as the flowers/leaves are full of colour.
Cherry blossoms everywhere 🙂
It is only a short 5 minute walk to the main entrance.
I couldn’t help myself but take more photos (haha sorry)
Quick guys pic before entering 😛
Make sure you take a quick look at the guide map to get a general idea of the layout of the temple.
Front entrance.
The trees along with the lantern would provide quite a picture during the evening hours. Its open from 7 AM until 6 PM fyi.
This is part of the main building.
I really enjoy visiting Korean temples and Bulguksa would definitely be one of my favourites.
Quick snap while there weren’t too many other people in the background.
People go to pray and give money inside here as an offering.
Another pic from the other side.
These colours/designs are quite common in most Korean temples which is part of the reason I enjoy the temples so much.
Quick close-up.
A view from the other side. Lots of people inside this building for prayer.
I noticed an influx of people coming out so managed to cheekily take a few pics inside.
Another one.
Thought I would go with the most common pose in SK and Japan haha.
Although it was busy in some parts of the temple, it was relatively quiet in others.
Really is a peaceful place (I went during the week but I could imagine on some holidays and weekends it would get fairly packed).
Few steep steps here and there.
Steep steps mean a better view.
A very old shrine which is gated rightly so.
A placing of stones which can be seen at various temples/shrines throughout Korea.
No limit to where you can put them.
It had been raining slightly a few days prior so maybe that was the reason there weren’t many people.
Like most gold objects/statues in Korea, rubbing them brings good luck 🙂
Quick purchase from the gift store (Year of the Dragon bracelets)
There were lots of small Pavilions (not sure that is the right word) like this around the grounds.
A nice bell.
The entrance is the best view on the temple grounds so be sure to check it out.
On the way back down to the car there were some road stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. If you are looking to pick something up, I would probably recommend the gift shop as it has a much better selection.
Bulguksa is definitely a must-see in Gyeongju even though it requires a short trip from the city. Seokguram Grotto is also a highly recommended place to do after or before Bulguksa as they are very close to each other. Please share / like if you enjoyed my post or comment if you have any questions and I’ll try to help where possible 🙂
