Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple Information Bulguksa Temple, located on Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju, was founded by Kim Dae-seong, who was the prime minister at the time, in the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok's reign (751) and completed in the 10th year of King Hyegong's reign (774). In the temple grounds, Dabotap, Seokgatap, a three-story stone pagoda, Cheongungyo and Baekungyo leading to Jahamun, and Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo leading to Geungnakjeon are designated as national treasures and preserved. These cultural assets provide a glimpse into the outstanding stonework skills of the Silla people at the time. In addition, many cultural assets, including the gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha Seated in Birojeon and the gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha Seated in Geungnakjeon, demonstrate the splendid Buddhist culture of the time. In recognition of its value, it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage along with Seokguram Grotto in December 1995.

Seokguram

Seokguram Grotto, built in the mid-8th century during the golden age of Unified Silla culture, was completed with advanced architectural techniques based on Buddhist thought and highly developed mathematical principles, and with an excellent sense of form. The grandeur and sublimity we feel from Seokguram Grotto is in this foundation and the harmony inherent within it. Seokguram Grotto is a visible architectural and sculptural reproduction of the moment when Sakyamuni attained enlightenment, and in terms of sculpture, it is full of vitality without artificial techniques or unnaturalness, and it stands out with mature techniques and outstanding artistry. Through the absolute state of enlightenment, the human Sakyamuni becomes the metaphysical being Sakyamuni Buddha, and the secular world becomes an ideal world called the Dharma Realm.