Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple
Venture to the forested slopes of Mount Toham to enjoy its picturesque gardens and learn about this highly significant complex dating back to the ancient Silla Kingdom.

Bulguksa is the main temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Even if you are not into Buddhist architecture, it’s worth visiting Bulguk-sa because of its beautiful gardens with arched stone bridges, lotus ponds and drooping willow trees.

The Bulguk-sa complex features on the UNESCO World Heritage List because it was constructed in the early 6th century and the ancient temple roof and ceiling carvings have been well preserved. What’s more, the Bulguk Temple Complex is home to not just one, but seven National Treasures of South Korea. The nearby Seokguram Grotto is also UNESCO-listed as it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art.

The seven national treasures within the complex include the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two precious Buddha statues.

The temple’s halls are the Birojeon (the Vairocana Buddha Hall), the main temple hall named Daeungjeon (Hall of Great Enlightenment), and Geungnakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss). With their slanting tiled roofs and ornately carved features, the halls are very photogenic, but because of the sacred relics inside, photography is only allowed outside.

Bulguksa is in Jinheon-dong, which is on the outskirts of Gyeongju city. You should allow a day to visit by bus from Seoul’s Gyeongju Station or Intercity Bus Terminal, or just half a day if on a tour or going by taxi.

Because Bulguksa is still a working Buddhist temple today, you may not be able to enter the halls at all times, so get local advice before you head up the mountain. There is an entrance fee to enter the temple complex.

The Seokguram Grotto is just 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) to the east and you can hike there or take another bus that leaves every half hour. Be aware that the alcove that contains the sacred stone Buddha is only small and that photography isn’t permitted inside here either. Some come here just for the views of the East Sea from this excellent vantage point on Mount Toham, so still bring your camera along.

Top 10 Hotels Near Bulguksa Temple

Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
2.5 out of 5
13, Bulguksintaekji 7-gil, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
The price is S$49 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$49
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this hotel in Gyeongju. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk and complimentary toiletries. Popular attractions Dabotap Pagoda and Bulguksa Temple ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (19 reviews)
"사장님이 친절하셔요!"

Reviewed on 12 Mar,2023

Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
Kolon Hotel
Kolon Hotel
3.5 out of 5
289-17, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 780-410
The price is S$121 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
S$121
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Gyeongju. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
6.6/10 (913 reviews)
"청결하고 분위기 좋으나 외부 소리가 들림"

Reviewed on 16 Feb,2023

Kolon Hotel
Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
2.5 out of 5
248, Yeongbul-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
The price is S$105 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
S$105
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this golf hotel in Gyeongju. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and breakfast. Popular attractions Dabotap Pagoda and Bulguksa Temple are located nearby. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (62 reviews)
"Spacious room for a family for a great price. Close to few tourist areas. Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 26 Jun,2022

Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Top Bulguksa Temple Hotel Deals

Gyeongju Dongsung Youthtel
Gyeongju Dongsung Youthtel
2.5 out of 5
12, Bulguksintaekji 5-gil, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
Gyeongju Dongsung Youthtel
Kolon Hotel
Kolon Hotel
3.5 out of 5
289-17, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 780-410
Kolon Hotel
Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
2.5 out of 5
13, Bulguksintaekji 7-gil, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
Gyeongju Myungsung Youth Town
Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
2.5 out of 5
248, Yeongbul-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
Gyeongju Kids & Family Hotel
Sajo Resort Gyeongju
Sajo Resort Gyeongju
3 out of 5
223, Yeongbul-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
Sajo Resort Gyeongju
Brown-Dot Hotel Gyeongju
Brown-Dot Hotel Gyeongju
3.5 out of 5
4, Jinhyeon-ro 1-gil, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38127
Brown-Dot Hotel Gyeongju
Arisu Gyeongju
Arisu Gyeongju
2.5 out of 5
207, Yeongbul-ro, Gyeongju, 38127
Arisu Gyeongju
Gyeongju B House Pension
Gyeongju B House Pension
3 out of 5
190-20, Bobul-ro, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang, 38126
Gyeongju B House Pension
Gyeongju Olive House Pension
Gyeongju Olive House Pension
3 out of 5
14-17, Hadongbunjeoban-gil, Gyeongju, 38126
Gyeongju Olive House Pension
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.