Bulguksa lies on the east side of the historic city of Kyongju. The construction of this temple at the southwestern foot of T'ohamsan Mountain was begun by Prime Minister Kim Tae-song in 751 A.D., the 10th year of the reign of King Kyongdok-wang and was completed in 774, the 10th year of King Hyegong-wang...

At the time of its completion, it was one of the largest Buddhist temples with more than 80 wooden buildings. It served as the center of Shilla Buddhism and of prayer for the protection of the country from foreign invasion. The entire temple was reduced to ashes by the Japanese invaders in 1593.

Though the main hall and a few other principal buildings were rebuilt, it was not until 1969-73 that it was completely restored after thorough research by investigations and evacuations of the ancient temple site. This historic undertaking was made in order to preserve for posterity one of Korea's greatest cultural legacies.

Pulguksa was registered as an International cultural property by UNESCO on December 9, 1995.

Important cultural properties from the Unified Shilla period located on the premises include: the two stone pagodas Tabot'ap and Sokat'ap, Chong-un-gyo and Paegun-gyo Bridges, Chahamun Gate, and the Yongwagyo and Chilbogyo leading to Kungnakchon Hall. All are representative of Shilla stone work.

The seated gilt bronze Vairocana statue in the Pirojon, the seated gilt bronze Amitabha statue of Kungnakchon, and other Buddhist relics attest to the flowering of Buddhist art and culture of Shilla.

354710N 1291956E

Click on thumbnails below to view larger images.
Please VOTE below for galleries and images you like.