Bulguksa's stone front terrace with arched gate and stairway rising to painted wooden halls, under a blue sky

Religious site · Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

UNESCO-listed Silla temple and granite Buddha grotto on the slopes of Tohamsan, Gyeongju

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Ambient sound · similar settingBuddhist temple bell tolling at Chōmei-ji

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Discover Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

On the wooded slopes of Tohamsan, east of central Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple rises on great stone terraces reached by elegant double stairways. Behind them, painted wooden halls and two famous stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap, fill courtyards that were designed to represent a Buddhist paradise on earth. It is an active temple, and the sound of chanting and the scent of incense are part of any visit.

Higher up the same mountain, Seokguram Grotto shelters a serene seated Buddha carved from white granite, surrounded by reliefs of bodhisattvas, disciples and guardians. Together the two sites form one UNESCO World Heritage property, and they are usually visited as a pair, linked by bus or by a forest trail.

Don’t miss

01Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, the stone stairway-bridges climbing the temple's great front terrace
02Dabotap and Seokgatap, the two Silla stone pagodas facing the main hall, Daeungjeon
03Richly painted eaves and brackets on the wooden halls of the temple courtyards
04Seokguram's seated granite Buddha surrounded by carved bodhisattvas and guardians
05Forested mountain setting on Tohamsan, with a trail linking the temple and the grotto

History & culture

The story of Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, a temple was first established here in the reign of King Beopheung of Silla in the early 6th century, and it was rebuilt on a grand scale by Kim Dae-seong, a chief minister, from 751. UNESCO records that Bulguksa was built in 774 as a complex of wooden buildings on raised stone terraces in three areas, and tradition holds that Kim Dae-seong dedicated it to his parents in this life, while Seokguram honoured his parents from a previous life.

Seokguram is an artificial grotto built from granite, with an antechamber, corridor and domed rotunda; work began in 751 and was completed in 774. Bulguksa burned during the Imjin War (1592-98), and restoration has continued since the 20th century. Seokguram fell out of use during the Joseon era and was restored in the early 20th century; work in 1913-15 encased it in concrete, which caused damp problems, and visitors today view the Buddha through a protective glass wall. The two sites were inscribed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.

Local life & traditions

Bulguksa belongs to Korea's living Buddhist tradition, and many visitors come to pray, bow in the main halls or light candles and incense rather than simply sightsee. School trips to Bulguksa are a rite of passage for Korean students, which explains the cheerful groups on weekdays. Visitors are welcome in the courtyards, but the halls are places of worship: speak quietly and avoid photographing people at prayer.

Things to do

Experience it like a local

Allow a couple of hours to explore Bulguksa's terraces and courtyards at a gentle pace, looking closely at the carving on the two pagodas and the colourful dancheong painting under the roofs. Then continue up to Seokguram, either on the local bus or on foot along the mountain path, for a quiet moment in front of the Buddha.

The temple is busiest on weekends and on Buddha's Birthday, when lanterns are hung throughout. Arriving early in the day gives you the stone terraces at their most peaceful and the best light for photographs.

When to go

Autumn, from mid-October to early November, is outstanding, with maples and ginkgoes turning around the temple. Spring blossom in April is also very popular. Summer is hot and humid but green, and winter mornings can be icy on the mountain road up to Seokguram. Arrive early in any season to avoid tour groups.

Plan your visit

Verified information

UNESCO World Heritage: Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, inscribed together in December 1995 Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr ↗
Bulguksa opening hours: 09:00-18:00 (exit by 19:00); open all year Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr ↗
Bulguksa admission: Admission (as published, Oct 2026): free Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr ↗
Pets: Pets are not allowed at Bulguksa Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr ↗
Address: 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do Source: english.visitkorea.or.kr ↗

Checked against the sources on 27 October 2026. Opening times and fees can change — confirm before you go.

Travel tips

Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, as this is an active place of worship.
Remove your shoes before entering any hall, and do not step on the raised threshold.
Photography is not permitted inside Seokguram; the Buddha is viewed through glass from the entrance.
Allow time for the journey between Bulguksa and Seokguram; the road climbs steeply and buses can be delayed at busy times.
Go early on weekends and in autumn, when coach groups arrive by mid-morning.

General guidance from our specialists, not official information.

Around Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto: food, markets & places to stay

A small tourist village with restaurants and souvenir shops sits below the temple car park, and Bomun Lake Resort, with many of Gyeongju's larger hotels, lies between the temple and the city centre. Lonely Planet notes loop buses 10 and 11 running between Gyeongju's bus terminals and Bulguksa, and bus 12 continuing up to Seokguram. Central Gyeongju's tombs and Wolji Pond are a short bus ride away.