If you visit only one temple in Korea, make it Bulguksa. Together with the nearby Seokguram Grotto, it is one of Korea's most treasured places: UNESCO World Heritage since 1995, home to seven National Treasures, and, since 2023, completely free to enter.
Why Bulguksa and Seokguram are special
Bulguksa, the 'Temple of the Buddha Land', was rebuilt and expanded in 751 CE during the Silla Kingdom by Prime Minister Kim Dae-seong. About 3 km up Tohamsan Mountain, he also built Seokguram, an artificial granite cave where a serene seated Buddha faces the East Sea.
Must-see highlights
- Cheongun-gyo and Baegun-gyo, the famous stone stairway-bridges
- Dabotap and Seokgatap, the ornate and the simple pagoda in front of Daeungjeon Hall
- Colorful lanterns and painted eaves around the courtyards
- The Seokguram Buddha, seen through a glass screen (no photos inside)
Note: Daeungjeon Hall is reported to be under renovation around 2026, so parts of it may be covered.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Visitor information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Bulguksa address | 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Seokguram address | 238 Seokgul-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do |
| Admission | Free for both (since 2023) |
| Bulguksa hours | Generally 09:00–18:00 (last entry about 17:00); hours vary by season |
| Seokguram hours | Mar–Sep 09:00–18:00; Feb & Oct to 17:30; Nov–Jan to 17:00 |
| Closed | Open all year |
How to get to Bulguksa from Seoul
Option 1: KTX train + city bus (recommended)
- Take a KTX from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station (경주역, formerly Singyeongju). About 2 hours 10 minutes; about KRW 49,300 one way.
- From the bus stops in front of Gyeongju Station, take bus 700 (direct to Bulguksa, only a few runs a day) or bus 711 (more frequent, about 50 minutes).
- From Bulguksa, take bus 12 up to the Seokguram parking lot (about 14 minutes), then walk about 12 minutes.
Option 2: SRT from Suseo
If you stay in Gangnam, take the SRT from Suseo Station to Gyeongju Station (about 2 hours 5 minutes, about KRW 42,600), then the same buses.
Option 3: Express bus
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu Line building), express buses reach Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal in about 3 hours 45 minutes. From there, take bus 10, 11 or 711 to Bulguksa (40–50 minutes).
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Where to eat near Bulguksa
- Busan Sikdang (부산식당): across from the Bulguksa parking lot. Stone-pot bibimbap, mountain-vegetable bibimbap and seafood pancakes, about KRW 10,000–15,000.
- Yusujung (유수정): bulgogi with ssambap (lettuce-wrap rice) and many side dishes in a traditional house with a courtyard.
- Bulguksa Milmyeon (불국사 밀면): cold wheat noodles with grilled bulgogi, about KRW 6,000–9,000.
- Gyeongju Soban (경주소반): mushroom bulgogi hot pot and tteok-galbi in the temple restaurant district.
- Koniran (곤이란): four kinds of soft tofu stew with grilled pork, a short drive from the temple.
Travel tips
- Arrive at 09:00 to photograph the stone bridges and pagodas before the crowds.
- Go to Seokguram first, then hike down the Tohamsan forest trail (about 3 km, about 1 hour) to Bulguksa.
- From October 6, the last bus 12 leaves around 16:40, so visit Seokguram early in autumn and winter.
- Best seasons: early April for cherry blossoms and late October to early November for autumn leaves.
- Combine it with downtown Gyeongju (Daereungwon, Cheomseongdae, Wolji Pond at night) for a full day or an overnight trip.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon / CC0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Korea Heritage Service (국가유산청) / KOGL Type 1 / via Wikimedia Commons
FAQ
Q. Is Bulguksa Temple free?
A. Yes. Both Bulguksa and Seokguram have been free to enter since 2023.
Q. How do I get from Gyeongju Station to Bulguksa?
A. Take city bus 700 (direct, few runs) or bus 711 (more frequent, about 50 minutes).
Q. Can I take photos inside Seokguram?
A. No. Photography of the Buddha inside the grotto is not allowed.
Featured image: Bulguksa Temple entrance stairs in Gyeongju. Photo: Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0 / via Wikimedia Commons
Sources
- VisitKorea (Korean) – Bulguksa
- VisitKorea (Korean) – Seokguram
- KoreaToDo – Gyeongju day trip
- VISITKOREA – Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
Opening hours, fares and prices can change. Please check official websites before you travel. Information as of October 2026.
