Left: Bulguksa - A Temple Leading to the Land of Happiness.
Historic & Scenic Site No. 1

Above: Taeungjon Hall - The main Sanctum that enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha.

A bove: Kwanumjon Hall
The Hall of Avalokitesva

Right: Tabotap Pagoda
National Treasure No. 20

Built in 751, the relics inside were lost by Japanese colonialists in 1925 during repairs. At one time there were stone lions on each side. There is now only one.

Left: Sokkatap Pagoda
National Treasure No. 21

Sokkatap pagoda is known as Bulguksa Three-storied Stone Pagoda and is the finest of the Silla stone pagodas.

In 1966 while doing renovations the Pure Light Daharani Sutra was found inside. This Buddhist scroll is the oldest woodblock print in the world.

Bulguk-sa Temple
Originally built in 528, Bulguk-sa provides an excellent example of architecture from the Silla Dynasty. Literally meaning "Buddha Land," it remained intact for more than 1,000 years before the Japanese destroyed it in 1593. Only a few of the buildings were rebuilt until the 1970s when it was completely reconstructed. It is designated Historic and Scenic Place #1. UNESCO recognized it as an international cultural property in 1995.

Set amid the foothills of T'ohamsan, the beautiful aesthetics of the buildings complement the surrounding area. The scenes are breathtaking with the changing colors of autumn. The temple compound houses a number of national treasures, including Blue Cloud Bridge and White Cloud Bridge,

Blue Cloud Bridge
Perhaps one of the most photographed sites in Korea, this staircase forms two "bridges," built seperately, but collectively designated National Treasure #23. The lower span is Blue Cloud Bridge (Chong-un kyo), and the upper one is White Cloud Bridge (Paek-un kyo). Buddhists believe that one enters "Buddha Land" (for which the temple was named) by crossing over the bridges and passing through Jaha mun (Golden Purple Gate, named for the colored splendors that hang around Buddha's hair in legends) at the top.

Lotus Flower Bridge and Seven Treasures Bridge
This staircase, designated National Treasure #22, is similar to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The lower span is named Yeonwha gyo (Lotus Flower Bridge), and the upper one is named Ch'ilbo gyo (Seven Treasures Bridge). Buddhists believe that crossing these bridges and passing through Anyang mun (Peace Enhancing Gate) leads to Guknak Jongdo (the Pure Land of Supreme Bliss).

Along the wall between the two sets of bridges is Bomyeoung ru. Named Bomjong gak (Brahma Bell Pavillion) when constructed in 751, the structure originally housed a bell. However, it now contains a dharma drum. The stone pillar of the platform was designed to imitate Mt. Sumeru, the imaginary mountain considered to be the center of the world and 33 heavens in Buddhist legends. For this reason it was sometimes called Sumi Bomjong gak (Sumeru Brahma Bell Pavillion).

Seokka Pagoda
(Multi-jeweled Pagoda), National Teasure #20, is pictured on the reverse of the 10 won coin. The structure represents the teachings of Sokka Yorae (Sakyamuni Talhagata). Originally, a stone lion perched on each side of the pagoda's platform. Only one remains, the others having been stolen. The structure stands 10.4 meters high.

Tabo Pagoda
(Sagyamuni Pagoda), National Teasure #21, symbolizes Sokka Yorae (Sakyamuni Talhagata). The 3-story pagoda is typical of architecture during the Silla period, but the eight lotus flowers decorated around the pagoda make this unique in Korea. It stands 8.2 meters high. Both Tabo T'ap and Seokka T'ap stand in the courtyard in front of Daeung Jeon (Great Enlightenment Hall).Inside the main courtyard of Bulguk-sa stands Daeung Jeon (Hall of Great Enlightenment). This hall enshrines Sakyamuni Buddha, the man who attained enlightenment over 2,500 years ago in India. Originally built in 681, it has been reconstructed and repaired several times since then.

In the courtyard behind Daeung Jeon stands Munseol Jeon (Hall of No Words), a large hall used for giving lectures on the sutras. The name "No Word" comes from the belief that it is impossible to express the essence of Buddha's teachings simply through language. One of the temple's oldest buildings, Grand Master U-sang first taught here around 670.

At the highest part of the temple compound stands Kwaneum Jeon (Avalokitesvara's Shrine). This small structure enshrines Avalokitesvara (Kwanseeum Bosal, in Korean), the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassion. Avalokitesvara is known as the "One Who Listens to the Cries of the World" and is dedicated to the well being of all living things.Always ready to help those suffering or in need, the Bodhisattva is very popular among common people.

Biro Jeon (Vairocana Buddha Hall) stands just below Kwaneum Jeon. Inside this hall is the Golden Bronze Vairocana Sitting Buddha, national Treasure #26. The Vairocana Buddha embodies Truth, Wisdom, and Cosmic Power. The architecture is typical of the later Josun period.

Next to the main part of the compound stands Geuknak Jeon (Fall of Supreme Bliss). The Golden Bronze Amitabha Tathagatha Seated buddha, National Treasure #27, is enshrined here. Amitabha is the Buddha of Cosmic Light.