Gyeongju - Bulguksa


Less than an hour bus ride north of Ulsan, just southeast of Gyeongju is Bulguksa (불국사). This temple is one of the most famous of Korea. I've been here many times now, in all seasons, but the colors of fall are by far the most beautiful.


Bulguksa is located on the side of Toham Mountain (토함산). According to Wikipedia...
"It is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap andSeokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government."


Bulguksa is home to two stone towers, or stone pagodas, which stand in the main courtyard of the temple. Above is Dabotap (다보탑). The other is Seokgatab (석가탑), but it is currently being restored.


Bulguksa has been restored and repaired after many damaging incidents over the last several centuries, but it is one of the few historic site I've visited where the pain job didn't look brand new. Although still vibrant and beautiful, many of the painted designs are faded, or even worn away enough to show the wood underneath.



Behind the main courtyard and hall of Bulguksa, there are many smaller halls. At the front is always a donation box, and inside there are paintings, paper lanterns, and statues of Buddha.


The fall colors of trees on the mountains behind the temple create a beautiful backdrop for the faded, traditional architecture. It's the most picturesque time of year, and I espeically got lucky to go on a day with such a clear, blue sky.


I was glad I could show my dad one of the most scenic and peaceful, historic sites of Korea. At the end of our walk around the grounds, we were able to get a nice woman to take our picture next to the bell.


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