Bulguksa Temple

Centuries old and the possessor of 9 national treasures, Bulguksa Temple ranks among my favorite places in Korea. It’s simply a beautiful temple, particularly when the leaves turn colors in the fall, and when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom in the spring. I’ve been there many times and I’m sure that I’ll be going back again.

Bulguksa Temple

Dabotap (다보탑) National Treasure #20

The temple, along with Seokguram Grotto, are UNESCO World Cultural Heritage sites. The Wikipedia entries for Bulguksa and Seokguram are well worth a read for all the reasons why they are so important to us.

Prayer cushions at Bulguksa Temple

I went on this trip in late September, and the weather was perfect that day. I arrived before 9am in hopes of avoiding crowds, but that didn’t work out because there were hundreds of middle and elementary school kids on field trips… screaming, yelling, and running around. That was a little annoying, but I waited it out and eventually they all went somewhere else, I suppose to eat lunch.

Doorway and slippers at Bulguksa Temple

Walking around the temple grounds is a treat. I haven’t been to another temple in Korea that gives me the same kind of feeling of grandness that Bulguksa does. Tongdosa comes pretty close, and would be my second favorite temple in Korea. Other unique or interesting temples I like include: Samseonggung, Seokbulsa, and Bomunsa.

A mother and her children rest at Bulguksa Temple

If you want to visit Seokguram Grotto, you can hop on another bus or hike there. I’ve never hiked there, but one of these days I will. I believe all UNESCO sites are worthwhile to visit, but Seokguram Grotto did disappoint me because a glass wall has been installed at the entrance from behind which you must stand as you look inside. I wanted, and still do, to go inside and get close to the sculptures.

Door handle in the form of a gobblin at Bulguksa Temple

Sitting at my desk and looking back, as I’ve already mentioned, Bulguksa is my favorite temple to visit in Korea. Other temples I have visited have their charm, but none of them except Tongdosa comes close the grandness of Bulguksa.

Location of Seokguram Grotto, National Treasure #24

Resources
Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO)
Bulguksa (Wikipedia)
Bulguksa Temple (Korea Tourism Organization)
Seokguram (Wikipedia)
Seokguram Grotto (Korea Tourism Organization)
Gyeongju Historic Areas: UNESCO World Cultural Heritage (Tigers & Magpies)
Gyeongju Cherry Blossoms (Tigers & Magpies)

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