Getting to Gyeongju from Seoul :
By express bus ( 4 hours) :


Brief Highlights :
Shilla Heritage
Gyeongju is known as a museum without walls.

Bulguk Temple: An Ancient Korean Masterpiece 2008-08-16

One　 of Korea’s most popular travel destinations is the ancient city of Gyeongju, which is located in the southeast corner of North Gyeongsang Province. Although Gyeongju’s neighboring cities of Pohang and Ulsan are larger, none can boast the historic and cultural importance of Gyeongju. You see, Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Silla. According to Korean records, Silla was formed in 57 BCE when six small villages near present-day Gyeongju were united by King Pak Hyeokgeose. Hatched from an egg laid by a white horse, King Pak is also the progenitor of the Pak surname, which is shared by about nine percent of all Koreans. By mid-7th century, Silla had conquered the neighbor kingdoms of Baekje and Goguryeo to create the first unified Korea. At its height, Gyeongju is estimated to have had 1 million inhabitants, and its awesome prosperity was known as far away as Egypt. Perhaps the greatest legacy of Gyeongju’s golden days, is Bulguk Temple (불국사), one　 of a precious few remaining examples of Silla architecture. Located on the slopes of Toham Mountain, Bulguksa, as it’s known in Korean, is one　 of Korea’s largest temples and it’s considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art built at the height of Silla’s greatness. The temple and the nearby Seokguram Grotto (석굴암) were the first Korean sites to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. But before it was recognized as a World Heritage treasure, Bulguksa was designated “Historic and Scenic Site Number 1” by the South Korean government. In fact, the temple complex contains seven national treasures. Founded in the early sixth century by King Beopheung for his queen, the temple’s exquisite design is thanks to Kim Dae-seong, an architect whose talent and ugliness are both legendary. Nicknamed the “Big Wall” for his massive forehead, Kim found refuge in Buddhism and was eventually reincarnated as a future king’s prime minister. Completed in 774, Kim’s temple was always dwarfed in size and importance by other Silla temples. However, today it’s his magnificent Bulguksa that’s familiar to virtually every Korean. The Bulguk Temple complex contains over 40 notable structures. Two major entrance pavilions are separated by the majestic Beomyeongnu Bell Pavilion. To its right is Sokgyemun, the largest entrance, which is reached via a two-part stone staircase and arched bridge. The lower set of stairs is called the Blue Cloud Bridge while the top set is the White Cloud Bridge. Each stairway is separated into two paths by an impressively long single slab of granite. The 33-steps represent the 33 steps to enlightenment. But when you reach the literal top of the stairs, you pass not into nirvana but through the “Mauve Mist Gate”, which, if you ask me, sounds awfully enticing itself! Although much of the temple has been reconstructed over the centuries, the foundation stones are the originals. The temple’s main façade is an impressive 100-meter long wall of granite. Just inside the Mauve Mist Gate is Daeungjeon, or the Hall of Great Enlightenment. Built in 681, the temple’s main hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha. The courtyard, however, is better known, thanks to its two stone pagodas. To the left is Seokgatap. The 8.2-meter tall pagoda is quintessentially Korean, being proportional and built without ostentation. Over 13 centuries old, it’s ringed by eight stones resembling lotus flowers, like those that fell from heaven, according to the Lotus Sutra. During reconstruction work in 1966, some remarkable treasures were found hidden inside, including the world’s oldest wooden printing blocks, and a paper scroll measuring 6.2 meters in length and 6.7 centimeters wide. According to Korea’s Cultural Heritage Administration, the scroll is the world’s oldest printing material! Across the courtyard from Seokgatap is the wonderfully ornate Dabotap, or “Many Treasures Pagoda”, which is featured on the Korean 10-won coin. In contrast to the Buddha’s detachment from the world, as exemplified by Seokgatap’s simplicity, Dabotap represents contemplation of the universe’s complexity. Amazingly, the stones forming the 10.4-meter tall pagoda are connected without mortar. Behind the two pagodas and main hall is Bulguksa’s largest building, named Museoljeon, or the Hall of No Words. So, I guess… enough said there. Several other buildings protect priceless paintings and gilt-bronze Buddhas, so if you are planning a visit to Bulguksa, be sure to leave yourself ample time. Thanks to its 1,000 years of Silla heritage, Gyeongju features many remarkable sites. Thankfully, there simply isn’t a bad time to visit Bulguksa. With autumn rapidly approaching, why not visit when the area’s temples are wrapped in the colorful foliage! Or, maybe even better yet, visit when everything is under a thin blanket of snow. Well, that’s all for today’s show. I hope you’ve enjoyed Discovering Korea with me. Please come back next week for another look at some of Korea’s most interesting places.