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{{Short description|Buddhist temple in Gyeongju, South Korea}}
{{Infobox religious building
| name                  = Bulguksa
| religious_affiliation = [[Buddhism]]
| image                 = Lotus Flower Bridge and Seven Treasure Bridge at Bulguksa in Gyeongju, Korea.jpg
| location              = [[Gyeongju]], [[South Korea]]
| sect                  = [[Jogye Order]]
| designation1          = WHS
| designation1_offname  = Bulguksa Temple
| designation1_parent   = [[Seokguram|Seokguram Grotto]] and Bulguksa Temple
| designation1_criteria = Cultural: i, iv
| designation1_number   = 736
| designation1_date     = 1995
| designation2          = Historic Sites of South Korea
| designation2_number   = 502
| designation2_date     = 2009-12-21
| designation2_offname  = Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
| coordinates           = {{coord|35|47|24|N|129|19|56|E}}
| website               = {{URL|bulguksa.or.kr}}
| module                = {{Infobox Korean name/auto
|hangul       = ^불국사
|hanja        = 佛國寺
|child=yes
}}
}}
'''Bulguksa''' ({{Korean|hangul=불국사}}) is a [[Buddhist temple]] on [[Tohamsan]], in Jinhyeon-dong, [[Gyeongju]], [[North Gyeongsang Province]], South Korea.

It is a head temple of the [[Jogye Order]] of [[Korean Buddhism]] and contains six [[National Treasure (South Korea)|National Treasures]], 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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Historic and Scenic Sites 1; Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju |url=http://www.cha.go.kr/english/search_plaza/ECulresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=14,00010000,37 |publisher=[[Cultural Heritage Administration]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930190053/http://www.cha.go.kr/english/search_plaza/ECulresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=14,00010000,37 |archive-date=2007-09-30 }}</ref> In 1995, Bulguksa and the nearby [[Seokguram]] Grotto were added to the [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site|World Heritage List]].

The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the [[Silla]] kingdom. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the [[Jogye Order]] of [[Korean Buddhism]].

Among the earliest [[woodblock printing|woodblock print]]s in the world, [[The Great Dharani Sutra|a version of the Dharani sutra]] dated between 704 and 751 was found there in 1966.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://countrystudies.us/north-korea/7.htm |title=North Korea&nbsp;— Silla |publisher=Countrystudies.us |access-date=2009-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla62/62-yosz.htm |title=A History of Writings in Japanese and Current Studies in the Field of Rare Books in Japan - 62nd IFLA General Conference |publisher=Ifla.org |access-date=2009-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120130752/http://www.ifla.org/IV/ifla62/62-yosz.htm |archive-date=2008-11-20 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rightreading.com/printing/gutenberg.asia/gutenberg-asia-9-korea.htm |title=Gutenberg and the Koreans: The Invention of Movable Metal Type Printing in Korea |publisher=Rightreading.com |date=2006-09-13 |access-date=2009-12-03}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://eng.buddhapia.com/_Service/_ContentView/ETC_CONTENT_2.ASP?pk=0000594295&sub_pk=&clss_cd=0002187369&top_menu_cd=0000000592&Menu_code=0000008846&sub_menu= |title=by Cho Woo-suk, JoongAng Daily, November 22, 2004 |publisher=Eng.buddhapia.com |access-date=2009-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719081555/http://eng.buddhapia.com/_Service/_ContentView/ETC_CONTENT_2.ASP?pk=0000594295&sub_pk=&clss_cd=0002187369&top_menu_cd=0000000592&Menu_code=0000008846&sub_menu= |archive-date=July 19, 2011 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jikimi.cha.go.kr/newinfo/Culresult_Db_View.jsp?VdkVgwKey=11,01260600,37&queryText=V_KDCD=11 |title=National Treasure No. 126-6, by the Cultural Heritage Administration of South Korea (in Korean) |publisher=jikimi.cha.go.kr |access-date=2009-12-28}}</ref> Its [[Buddhist]] text was printed on a {{convert|8|x|630|cm|abbr=on|adj=on}} [[Paper Mulberry|mulberry]] paper scroll.

==History==
The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under [[Beopheung of Silla|King Beopheung]] in 528.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E5EkAQAAIAAJ&q=on+this+site+under+King+Beopheung+in+528|title=Survey of Buddhist Temples and Monasteries|isbn=9788126132591|last1=Malik|first1=Akhtar|year=2007}}</ref> The [[Samguk Yusa]] records that the current temple was constructed under [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]] in 751, begun by chief 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'').

The temple was renovated during the [[Goryeo]] Dynasty and the early [[Joseon Dynasty]]. During the [[Japanese invasions of Korea (1592–1598)|Imjin wars]], the wooden buildings were burned to the ground. After 1604, reconstruction and expansion of Bulguksa started, followed by about 40 renovations until 1805.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-ZuImINv0soC&q=reconstruction+bulguksa&pg=PA364|title=Peoples of Eastern Asia, Volume 7|year=2004|isbn=9780761475545}}</ref>

[[File:Bulguksa in 1914.jpg|thumb|left|151x151px|Ruins of Bulguksa in 1914, before restoration]]After [[World War II]] and the [[Korean War]], a partial restoration was conducted in 1966. Upon an extensive archeological investigation, major restoration was conducted between 1969 and 1973 by the order of President [[Park Chung Hee]], bringing Bulguksa to its current form. The famous stone structures are preserved from the original Silla construction.

[[Hyun Jin-geon]] published a historical novel on the construction of the [[Seokgatap]] and [[Dabotap]] pagodas, which were the basis for the 1957 South Korean drama film [[Shadowless Pagoda (film)|Shadowless Pagoda]].

==Structure==
[[File:경주 불국사 다보탑.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Dabotap]]]]
[[File:Seokgatap Pagoda.jpg|upright|thumb|[[Seokgatap]]]]
The temple is located on the slopes of [[Tohamsan]], in Jinheon-dong, [[Gyeongju]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=E5EkAQAAIAAJ&q=Tohamsan,+in+Jinheon-dong,+Gyeongju+bulguksa|title=Survey of Buddhist Temples and Monasteries|isbn=9788126132591|last1=Malik|first1=Akhtar|year=2007}}</ref>

The entrance to the temple, ''Sokgyemun'', has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge ([[National treasures of South Korea|National Treasure No. 23]]) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6.3&nbsp;meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge) is 5.4&nbsp;meters and has 16 steps.  The stairway leads to ''Jahamun'' (Mauve Mist Gate).

There are two [[pagoda]]s on the temple site, which is unusual.  The three-story [[Seokgatap]] ([[Sakyamuni]] Pagoda) which stands at 8.2&nbsp;meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing. [[Seokgatap]] is over 13 centuries old. [[Dabotap]] (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10.4&nbsp;meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] mentioned in the [[Lotus Sutra]]. In contrast to [[Seokgatap]], [[Dabotap]] is known for its highly ornate structure. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 [[South Korean won|won]] coin. ''Dabotap'' and ''Seokgatap'' are [[National treasures of South Korea|Korean National Treasures]] nos. 20 and 21, respectively.

The terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a [[Shakyamuni]] Buddha ''Lotus Sutra'', the celestial with [[Amitabha]] Buddha ''Avatamska Sutra''. The large temple site is centred on two courts. One of the courts is centred on ''[[Daeungjeon]]'', the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on ''Geungnakjeon'', the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge ''Chilbogyo'' is housed.

''[[Daeungjeon]]'' (대웅전,大雄殿), the Hall of Great Enlightenment, is the main hall.<ref name=bulguksa3>{{cite web |title=Bulguk-sa Temple - Structures |url=http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa3.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060510195849/http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa3.htm |archive-date=2006-05-10 }}</ref> ''Dabotap'' and ''Seokgatap'' stand before this hall.  The hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha and was first built in 681.<ref name=bulguksa3/> Behind the main hall stands ''Museoljeon'' (무설전,無說殿), the Hall of No Words.<ref name=bulguksa3/> This hall gets its name from the belief that Buddha's teachings could not be taught by mere words alone. It is one of the oldest buildings in the complex and was probably first built in 670.<ref name=bulguksa3/> The ''Gwaneumjeon'' (Avalokitesvara's Shrine, 관음전,觀音殿) houses an image of the [[Avalokitesvara]], the [[Bodhisattva]] of Perfect Compassion, and stands at the highest point of the complex.<ref name=bulguksa3/> The ''Birojeon'' ([[Vairocana]] Buddha Hall, 비로전,毘盧殿), which sits below the ''Gwaneumjeon'', houses national treasure No. 26 while the ''Geuknakjeon'' (Hall of Supreme Bliss, 극락전), standing near the main compound, houses the gilt-bronze buddha that is the national treasure No. 27.<ref name=bulguksa3/>

<gallery>
Image:Bulguksa-map.svg|Map of the main complex
File:Daeungjeon, Bulguksa 02.jpg|Daeungjeon, Main Hall
File:Museoljeon Hall at Bulguksa-Gyeongju-Korea-01.jpg|Museoljeon, Hall of No Words
File:Geungnakjeon, Bulguksa 01.jpg|Geugnakjeon, Hall of Supreme Bliss
File:Bulguksa 8379.jpg|Gwaneumjeon, Avalokitesvara's Shrine
File:Birojeon, Bulguksa 01.jpg|Birojeon
</gallery>

=== Official treasures ===

==== National Treasures No. 20 and 21 ====
{{main|Dabotap|Seokgatap}}

The two famous stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap reside in the main courtyard of the Bulguksa Temple complex.  They are, respectively, the twentieth and twenty-first [[national treasures of Korea]] and were designated on December 20, 1962.

==== National Treasure No. 22 ====
[[File:Lotus Flower Bridge and Seven Treasure Bridge at Bulguksa in Gyeongju, Korea.jpg|thumb|230px|right|Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo]]

The ''Yeonhwagyo'' (Lotus Flower Bridge, 연화교,蓮華橋) and ''Chilbogyo'' (Seven Treasures Bridge, 칠보교,七寶橋) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa.<ref name=bulguksa2>{{cite web |title=Bulguk-sa Temple - Treasures |url=http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa2.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504142948/http://www.lifeinkorea.com/travel/kyongju/pulguksa2.htm |archive-date=2006-05-04 }}</ref> This bridge was designated as the 22nd national treasure on December 20, 1962. The bridge lead to ''Anyangmun'' (Peace Enhancing Gate, 안양문,安養門) leading to ''Geuknakjeon'' (the Hall of the Pure Land). This pair were built at the same time as their brother bridges, National Treasure No. 23.

These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller.  The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims. Today, visitors are restricted from walking on the bridge.

===National Treasure No. 23===
[[File:Bulguksa 01.jpg|thumb|right|Cheongungyo and Baegungyo]]

The ''Cheongungyo'' (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교,靑雲橋) and ''Baegungyo'' (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교,白雲橋) Bridges of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple.<ref name=bulguksa2/> The bridges were probably built in 750 during the reign of [[Gyeongdeok of Silla|King Gyeongdeok]]. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. They were designated as the 23rd national treasure on December 20, 1962.

The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the upper span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the lower part. The bridges lead to the ''Jahamun'' (Golden Purple Gate, 자하문,紫霞門) which leads to [[Sakyamuni]] Hall. There are 34 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 30-degree angle. The upper Blue Cloud Bridge has sixteen steps while the lower White Cloud Bridge has eighteen. The large arch underneath the stairwell testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges.{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}

===National Treasure No. 26===
[[Image:Birojeon, Bulguksa 02.jpg|thumb|right|National treasure No. 26]]
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
National Treasure No. 26 (경주 불국사 금동비로자나불좌상, 慶州 佛國寺 金銅毘盧遮那佛坐像, Gyeongju Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang), designated on December 20, 1962, is a seated gilt-bronze [[Vairocana]] Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple.

The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the ''Birojeon''. It is 1.77&nbsp;meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft. The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, which often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment. The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.

===National Treasure No. 27===
[[File:Gilt-bronze Amitābha at the Geungnakjeon Hall of Bulguksa Temple, Korea.jpg|thumb|right|150px|National treasure No. 27]]
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
The seated gilt-bronze [[Amitabha]] Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No. 27. (경주 불국사 금동아미타여래좌상, 慶州 佛國寺 金銅阿彌陀如來坐像, Gyeongju Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang) and was designated on December 20, 1962.

The Amitabha Buddha statue is 1.66&nbsp;meters in height and enshrined in ''Geuknakjeon''. This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late 8th or early part of the 9th century and it shares the style of National Treasure No. 26. The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together.  The face has a distinctively aquiline nose. The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability. The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard. The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap. The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.

===Treasure No. 61===
[[File:Saritap stupa at Bulguksa-Gyeongju-Korea-01.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Treasure No. 61]]
{{unreferenced section|date=October 2023}}
This sarira pagoda (사리탑), or stupa, looks like a stone lantern. It stands 2.1&nbsp;meters tall and is located at the left side of the front garden of ''Birojeon''. The artifact was at one point taken to Japan in 1906 but was returned in 1933. It is from the [[Goryeo Dynasty]], but shows the influence of Silla Dynasty art.

A sarira is a container for the relics or remains of famous priests or royalty. It is said that this sarira contained the remains of eight priests or a queen. The three main features of the piece are the foundation stone, the main body, and the ornamental top. The foundation is an octagonal stone decorated with carvings. Atop this foundation is a circular stone incised with lotus motifs. The pillar supports of the main body are carved with a cloud motif while the main body is cylindrical and has four [[bas-relief]]s of Buddha and bodhisattvas and are accompanied by flower motifs. The top of the pagoda has twelve sides which meet into a hexagonal shape.

==See also==
* [[Korean Buddhist temples]]
* [[List of South Korean tourist attractions]]
* [[List of Buddhist topics]]
* [[Tourism in Gyeongju]]

==References==
<references/>

==External links==
{{commons and category|Bulguksa}}
* [http://www.bulguksa.or.kr/ Bulguksa Official site]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060628044455/http://www.heritage.go.kr/eng/her/her_02.jsp Korean National Heritage Online: Bulguksa]
* [http://www.orientalarchitecture.com/kyongju/BULGUKSA.htm Oriental Architecture profile]

{{Buddhism topics}}
{{World Heritage Sites in the Republic of Korea}}
{{coord|35|47|24|N|129|19|56|E|region:KR_type:landmark|display=title}}

[[Category:528 establishments]]
[[Category:Tourist attractions in Gyeongju]]
[[Category:Buddhist temples of the Jogye Order]]
[[Category:Buddhist temples in Gyeongju]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in South Korea]]
[[Category:National Treasures of South Korea]]
[[Category:6th-century establishments in Korea]]
[[Category:6th-century Buddhist temples]]
[[Category:Buddhist relics]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures of Silla]]
[[Category:Historic Sites of South Korea]]
[[Category:Bulguksa| ]]