Dedicated to the land of Buddha, Bulguksa Temple stands as a testament to Korea’s rich Buddhist history. It is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Here before us lies a masterpiece.
Bulguksa’s story begins long ago. A small temple stood here in 528 under King Beopheung. The current Bulguksa took shape under King Gyeongdeok in 751. Chief minister Kim Daeseong initiated the construction to honor his parents’ spirits. The Silla royal court completed it in 774. They named it Bulguksa meaning Temple of the Buddha Land.
Throughout the Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasties, Bulguksa underwent renovations. During the Imjin wars the wooden structures faced destruction by fire. Reconstruction began in 1604. Forty renovations followed until 1805. After World War II and the Korean War, partial restoration occurred in 1966. Major restoration work happened between 1969 and 1973. President Park Chung Hee ordered it. Bulguksa attained its present form through this restoration. The original Silla construction preserved the famous stone structures.
The temple is on the slopes of Tohamsan in Gyeongju. Sokgyemun, the entrance, features a double sectioned staircase and bridge. This leads into the temple compound. The stairway has 33 steps. They represent the 33 steps to enlightenment. Cheongungyo Blue Cloud Bridge is the lower portion with 17 steps. Baegungyo White Cloud Bridge forms the upper part with 16 steps. The stairway leads to Jahamun Mauve Mist Gate.
Notably, Bulguksa has two pagodas which is unusual for a temple. Seokgatap Sakyamuni Pagoda has three stories. It stands 8.2 meters tall. It showcases a traditional Korean style with simple lines. Seokgatap is over 13 centuries old. Dabotap Many Treasure Pagoda reaches 10.4 meters. It is dedicated to the Many Treasures Buddha. Dabotap contrasts with Seokgatap. It features a highly ornate structure. You can even see its image on the South Korean 10 won coin. These pagodas are Korean National Treasures.
Bulguksa manifests the terrestrial and celestial abodes. The terrestrial links to Shakyamuni Buddha Lotus Sutra. The celestial connects to Amitabha Buddha Avatamska Sutra. The temple centers around two courts. One court features Daeungjeon. This hall houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other centers on Geungnakjeon. This hall of paradise contains the Seven Treasure Bridge Chilbogyo.
Daeungjeon also known as the Hall of Great Enlightenment serves as the main hall. Dabotap and Seokgatap stand before it. The hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha and dates back to 681. Behind the main hall stands Museoljeon the Hall of No Words. It is named from the belief that words alone cannot teach Buddha’s teachings. It may date back to 670. Gwaneumjeon Avalokitesvara’s Shrine houses the Avalokitesvara image. It stands at the complex’s highest point. Below Gwaneumjeon sits the Birojeon Vairocana Buddha Hall. It houses National Treasure No. 26. Geuknakjeon Hall of Supreme Bliss stands near the main compound. It houses the gilt bronze buddha which is National Treasure No. 27.
As you explore Bulguksa consider its layers of history and artistry. Remember the dedication that shaped this sacred space. It stands not only as a temple but also as a journey toward enlightenment.