¡ã The view of Bulguksa  Temple

Bulguksa Temple, built with a combination of stylish architecture, Buddhist spirit and natural surroundings, symbolizes Buddha's land on earth.

The stone layers harmonize perfectly with the different structures, such as the several halls and the statues of Buddha within them.

Bulguksa Temple was built in the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok,751 A .D. by Kim  Dae-seong, in memory of his parents. It was restored to its original condition in 1973.

It was designated as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage on December 6, 1995.

¡ã Geungnakjeon Hall (Paradise Hall)

¡ã The Dabotap Pagoda

Cheong-un and Baek-un (Blue and White Cloud) Bridges are actually staircases to Jahamun Bridge, and lead to the main hall, which contains the Seokgamoni Buddha.

Yeonhwa and Chilbo (Lotus Flower and Seven Gem) Bridges lead to Geungnakjeon (Paradise) Hall. Bridges, to the Buddhists, have a deeper meaning than just a structure that crosses some obstacle; they are also a bridge leading from the secular world to the land of Buddha.

The hall symbolizes the "Land of Buddha," the Western Paradise, where good spirits go. Inside, the gilt bronze seated Amitabha is enshrined.

Also, there is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy in Gwaneumjeon Hall and the gilt bronze seated Vairocana in Birojeon Hall.

¡ã The Seokgatap Pagoda

¡ãView of Seokgulam

Seokgulam Grotto was built in memory of Kim Dae-seong's parents in 751,  the 10th year of King  Gyeongdeok's reign, completed over a span of thirty  years.

Seokgulam, made of rough and solid granite, has been unparalleled in history.

It was written of the grotto, "A shrine was constructed as if silk were knit with stone." Although not comparable in size to those found in India and China, it excells in terms of art, philosophy and scientific technique.

It was designated as the UNESCO Cultural Heritage on December 6, 1995.


Seokgulam Grotto consists of a square antechamber, a round chamber and a passage connecting the two chambers. It represents the universe, with heaven round and the earth square. 

Sculptured in relief on granite slabs, flanking the wall Buddha and the Buddhist world, are eight guardian demons, two Vajurapanis (guardian gods of the temple) and four ferocious guardians.

¡ã Round Three-Story Stone
Pagoda

¡ãTen Disciples

This  village is where folkcrafts, containing the spirit and artistry of Koreans' ancestors, are made anew with inherited craftsmanship.

Presently, there are seventeen independent producers of traditional Korean handcrafts:  metallic wares, ceramic wares, woodcrafts, jewelry, embroidery bamboo wares, among others.

The workshops are open to visitors, so they can see the production process and buy souvenirs.

¡ã Earthen Ware

¡ãView of  Silla Folkcrafts Village

¡ã Smiling Stone Lion

  ¡ã Seated Stone Buddha statue of Yeongji

¡ã Yeongji Pond 

Kwaereung Tomb, a represntative tomb of Silla, is safeguarded by stone statues of lions, civilians and military guards; it is surrounded by a pine forest.

Yeongji (Shadow)Pond, is with the sad story of Asadal, who designed and built the Seokgatap Pagoda Bulguksa Temple, and his lovely wife Asanyeo.

As she wandered in front of the temple to see her husband, a monk told her to wait till she could see the reflection of the great pagoda in the pond.

She waited. In despair, she threw herself into the pond. Later,people called the Seokgatap Pagoda the Muyeongtap(No Shadow) Pagoda.

¢¸ Gwaereung Royal Tomb

¢¸ Statue of Literary Man 

¡ã Model of Seokgulam(Grotto)

¡ã Model of Cheomseongdae
   (Observatory) 

This museum, built by Seok u-il in 1988, a three-story building located in the Silla Folkcraft Village.

Various models of the Seokgulam  Grotto are on exhibit the underground hall.

Many kinds of documents, pictures and blueprints are also displayed, unraveling the mystery of  the Seokgulam Grotto.

A constellation map, a map Gyeongju during the Silla Dynasty and  a model of the cheomseongdae Obeservatory are exhibited in the first floor hall. Reproduction of Silla and Joseon Dynasty relics are in the second floor hall.

¡ã Gyeongju, Ancient Capital of Silla Dynasty