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Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

4.5
Must see · World heritage site · Religious Site · Historic Site
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The head temple complex of Jogye Korean Buddhism, Bulguksa Temple features two exquisite stone pagodas and a gilded bronze statue of Buddha, which earned it World Heritage Site status. This impressive temple complex set in a picturesque landscape stores some of the world's oldest woodblock prints, made in the first half of the 8th century. Stroll underneath cherry trees and azaleas, place a pebble in a rock garden or touch a pig statue for good luck, and visit a hermitage in the grotto to see burial mounds and a 3.5 m (11.5 ft) tall Buddha. English-speaking volunteer guides will tell you all about the temple's tumultuous history. Discover how to plan a Gyeongju trip in just a few steps with Klarna Trips's itinerary builder.
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Bulguksa Temple reviews

TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
1,293 reviews
Google
4.5
TripAdvisor
  • We arrived at sunset time with less crowd and gentle sunshine. The golden sunlights covered the garden, temple and whole place as a holy land. We are touched and inspired while walking around the... 
    We arrived at sunset time with less crowd and gentle sunshine. The golden sunlights covered the garden, temple and whole place as a holy land. We are touched and inspired while walking around the...  more »
  • Impressive set in lovely Park with a lane. Multiple temples with historic treasures dating back to 7th century buddish. 
    Impressive set in lovely Park with a lane. Multiple temples with historic treasures dating back to 7th century buddish.  more »
  • Very old and very large complex. This place is huge and has just enough signage to make sense of it, but better with a guide 
    Very old and very large complex. This place is huge and has just enough signage to make sense of it, but better with a guide  more »
Google
  • Find it quite cheeky that they charge for parking and then charge you again for entrance. They also upped the pensioner age to 70 instead of 65 like other places. But after going into the gardens, one is met with a beautiful pond with trees all round. The gardens are beautiful! The temples are well kept and walking around the area is relaxing with lovely scenery all around.
  • This temple some beautiful buildings, with stunning roofing beams, set in a tranquil maple-tree setting — when not overrun by tourists. Will look stunning in autumn! In spring there is a patch of cherry trees on the hill outside the temple that flower relatively late, and draw huge picnic crowds.
  • My first stop in gyeongju. Everyone recommended it so I woke up early and went to the temple and was the first one to enter. Everything was picturesque with the waters, fall leaves and peace. I was able to stroll in solace. The views from the temple are simple awesome. Definitely a must!
  • I simply love this place. It is a UNESCO site and definitely worth visiting. The old temple is still standing after so many years and there are plenty of trees with leaves changing color as it is autumn now. The weather is cooling and the walk around the area is easy, no climbing on lot of stairs etc. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon till closing and the place will be less crowded and easier for you to take your photo.
  • One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea. My Korean friend says this is where it all began and that for all Koreans this is a once in a lifetime must visit place. I enjoyed it, even though many people were visiting because it was a weekday. The temples are currently set up in such a way that they are preparing for the Buddha's birthday on May 27th.

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