Bulguksa is located on the slopes of Mount Toham (Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju city, North Gyeongsang province). Originally, a small temple was constructed in 528 by King Beopheung. The current temple grounds were built in 751 by Prime Minister Kim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Kim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land). Multiple renovations occurred during the Goryeo and early Joseon Dynasties, and after the Imjin war.

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Bulguksa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism and encompasses seven National treasures of South Korea, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. 

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This temple is definitely a must-see attraction when visiting Korea. It's also one of the only temples Koreans have actually visited and know about because all schools seem to have field trips to the site. 

 

Check out some of my personal photos below. Enjoy!