- Address: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
- Phone: +82 54-746-9913
- Website: bulguksa.or.kr
South Korea is rich in attractions , both natural and man-made. If you are going to make excursions on religious and landmark objects, be sure to start your route with a visit to the Pulgux.
Getting to know the attraction
Pulgux is one of the popular Buddhist monasteries of the Republic of South Korea. Geographically it belongs to the province of Gyeongsang-namdo and is located about 13 km south-east of Gyeongju city . In literal translation, Pulgux means "Monastery of the Buddhist country."
The monastery includes 7 of the 307 National Treasures of the Republic:
- Stone pagodas of Sokkathap and Tabotthab;
- The blue cloud bridge (Chonggongyo);
- Bridge of white clouds (Pegungo);
- The Lotus Bridge (Yonhwagyo);
- Bridge 7 treasures (Chilbogyo);
- A pair of bronze gilded Buddha statues.
Together with the grotto Sokkuram Buddhist temple in 1995 was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage. In terms of cultural and architectural value, the temple of Pulgux is considered a wonderful masterpiece of the era of the Kingdom of Silla.
The first constructions of the church were chronicled in 528 AD. However, the collection of legends of Samghuk Yusa says that the Bulguksa was built by Kim Dae Sung to calm the spirits of the deceased ancestors in 751. The temple was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. It is estimated that in the history of its existence until 1805, approximately 40 restoration and construction works were carried out. The present appearance of the temple of Pulgux found after the reconstruction, which was conducted under the President Pak Yaan Hee.
What to see in the temple of Bulguksa?
The entrance to the temple - Sokkemunom - is a two-tiered staircase and a bridge, which in the list of Korea's treasures takes place # 23. The ladder consists of 33 steps - these are symbolic 33 steps towards enlightenment. The lower level - Chonungyo - is 17 steps with a total length of 6.3 m. And its upper part of 16 feet - Pegungo - has a length of 5.4 m. After the ascent, you will be in front of the gate of Chahamun.
The temple of Pulgux among such religious structures of South Korea is distinguished by the fact that two stone pagodas were built in its courtyard:
- Pagoda Sokkathap (Sakyamuni) - 8.2 m (about 3 floors) is a pagoda in the classical Korean style - minimalism in decoration and characteristic lines. Her age is estimated at about 13 centuries.
- The Tabotkhap pagoda (treasure) is 10.4 m above and is richly ornamented. In addition, the image of this religious object is printed on small coins worth 10 won.
Both buildings are numbered 20 and 21 respectively in the list of national treasures. Behind them begins the Hall of Great Enlightenment - Taeundjon. According to archaeologists, it was built around 681.
Then you get to the Hall of Silence - Musoljon. His name was received because of the assertion that the Buddha's teaching can not be conveyed only in words. This hall is the oldest building of the temple of Pulgux, its structure dates back to 670 year.
The most famous archaeological find on the territory of the temple occurred in 1966. Scientists have discovered the xylographic text of Ushnish Vijaya Dharani sutra, written around 704-751. The artifact is made of Japanese paper, and the size of the scroll is 8 * 630 cm. This text is the earliest example of this book in the world.
How to get to the temple of Bulguks?
Most tourists come to the temple by taxi from Gyeongju . You can take personal transport or get here as part of a tour group, accompanied by a guide. The temple is located in some distance, near there are no stops or subway stations. The nearest bus stop is at the foot of the hill.
For tourist excursions, the entrance is only possible on Thursdays. The visit is for 2-3 hours. The ticket costs $ 4.5.