About Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa, the Temple of the Buddha Land, was built on the slopes of Mount Toham in the 8th century under the Silla minister Kim Daeseong. Its design expresses a vision of the Buddhist paradise on earth, with elevated terraces approached by stone stairways called bridges, which symbolize the passage from the human world to the realm of the Buddha.
The courtyard of the main hall holds two famous stone pagodas: the ornate Dabotap and the austere Seokgatap, which yielded one of the oldest surviving woodblock prints when it was repaired in 1966. Although the wooden halls were burned during the Japanese invasions of the 1590s and later rebuilt, the stonework is original Silla craft. A short drive up the mountain leads to Seokguram Grotto and its serene granite Buddha.
What to see
- Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas
- Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo stone stairways
- Daeungjeon main hall
- Seokguram Grotto Buddha above the temple
- Autumn foliage and cherry blossoms
Visiting Bulguksa Temple: practical guide
- Best time
- April and late October to early November
- Hours
- Daily, about 7:00 to 18:00; shorter in winter
- Entry
- Free since 2023 for cultural heritage temples
- Dress code
- Modest clothing in halls
- Nearest airport
- Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO), 40 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Visit early in the morning before tour buses
- Take the shuttle or hike to Seokguram
- Consider a templestay program for an overnight experience
Festivals and special days
- Buddha's Birthday lantern displays
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Buddhism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Remove shoes and hats before entering temple halls.
- Cover shoulders and knees, and avoid revealing clothing.
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or monk.
- Women should not touch or hand items directly to Theravada monks.
- Walk clockwise around stupas and prayer wheels.
- Do not climb on or pose disrespectfully with Buddha statues.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Bulguksa Temple?
Bulguksa Temple is in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, South Korea, Asia. GPS coordinates: 35.7900, 129.3320. The nearest airport is Pohang Gyeongju Airport (KPO), 40 km.
What is the best time to visit Bulguksa Temple?
April and late October to early November
Is there an entry fee for Bulguksa Temple?
Free since 2023 for cultural heritage temples Opening hours: Daily, about 7:00 to 18:00; shorter in winter
What should I wear when visiting Bulguksa Temple?
Modest clothing in halls
Which religion is Bulguksa Temple sacred to?
Bulguksa Temple is sacred to Buddhism. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
