Bulguksa Temple is one of Korea’s most celebrated Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its stunning traditional architecture, ancient stone pagodas, and being considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art from the Silla Kingdom.
The temple was originally built in 528 AD during the Silla Dynasty, but the current structures were reconstructed in 1973 after being destroyed during the Japanese invasions of Korea (1592-1598).
Where is Bulguksa Temple Located?
Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea
Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
The temple sits on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan, about 16km southeast of Gyeongju city center.
Why is Bulguksa Temple Important?
- UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1995)
- Masterpiece of Silla Buddhist art and architecture
- Home to seven National Treasures of Korea
- Spiritual significance as one of Korea’s head temples
- Historical importance representing 1,500 years of Korean Buddhism
Getting from Gyeongju to Bulguksa Temple
By Bus: Take Bus #10 or #11 from Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal (30 minutes, ₩1,300)
By Taxi: 20-minute ride (approximately ₩15,000-20,000)
By Car: 16km drive via Bulguk-ro
Bulguksa to Seokguram Grotto
Distance: 3km uphill from Bulguksa Temple
Options:
- Shuttle bus: Runs every 30 minutes (₩1,500)
- Hiking trail: 40-minute scenic walk
- Taxi: 10-minute ride (₩8,000-10,000)
Pro tip: Many visitors combine both sites in one trip since they’re so close together.
Cost to Visit Bulguksa Temple
Entrance Fee: ₩6,000 for adults (about $4.50 USD)
Students: ₩4,000
Children: ₩3,000
Parking: ₩2,000
Is Bulguksa Temple Worth Visiting?
Absolutely yes! Here’s why:
- Stunning traditional Korean architecture
- Peaceful temple grounds perfect for meditation
- Rich history spanning 1,500 years
- Easy to combine with Seokguram Grotto
- Well-maintained facilities and English information
- Perfect for both cultural enthusiasts and casual visitors
Here are my must-visit places in Seoul and if you want to explore Korea thoroughly and visit more temples, you can find a list of the 20 best and most famous Buddhist temples here.
Temple Stay Experience
Bulguksa offers temple stay programs where you can:
- Experience Buddhist temple life
- Participate in meditation and prayer ceremonies
- Enjoy vegetarian temple food
- Stay overnight in traditional temple accommodations
Cost: Around ₩50,000-70,000 per person for overnight programs
Booking: Reserve in advance through the temple’s official website
Quick Visit Tips
Best time to visit: Early morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon for fewer crowds
Duration: Allow 1-2 hours for Bulguksa, plus extra time if visiting Seokguram
What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, camera, and respectful attire
Season: Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (fall colors) are most beautiful