Bulguksa Temple History
Bulguksa Temple is located on the slopes of Mount Toham. It is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven national treasures of South Korea.
The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla Kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.
Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and because of that, was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty and artistry of the temple makes it well known all over the world. In addition, the temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government.
It was built in 528 under King Beopheung. This was during the Silla Kingdom. The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong from 751 to 774. The temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa upon it’s completion.
Bulguksa Renovations
Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the over the years, but was burned down during the Imjin War. Reconstruction started again in 1604 and was renovated about 40 times in total until 1805. After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.
Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed in 1969 and the rebuild began 1973. Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang were all previously destroyed and rebuilt. Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun were also repaired as part of the restoration.
Check out other things to do in Korea: https://thisiskoreatours.com/things-to-do-in-korea/
Book a tour with This is Korea: https://thisiskoreatours.com/korea-tour-package/
More info about Silla Dynasty: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silla
Operating Hours
March to September to Sep : 7:00am to 6:00pm
October: 7:00am to 5:30pm
November to January: 7:30am to 5:00pm
February: 7:30am to 5:30pm
Closed
N/A (Open all year round)
Admission Fees
Adults (ages over 19): 5,000KRW
Teenagers (ages 13-18): 3,500KRW
Children (ages 7-12): 2,500KRW
Children (ages under 7): Free
Seniors (ages 65 and above): Free
Map
