Bulguksa Temple

The most famous temple in Korea, Bulguksa, is ideally located a short distance from the Ulsan area that can be comfortably covered within a day. It’s difficult to fathom how one could be disappointed with the sight unless you are there with the tourist hoards.

Visit off-season while the weather is still pleasant. Visit during the dead of winter when everything is encased in ice and the weak sunlight twinkles off the frost. It’s magical. It’s enchanting. It is the picture of the east you always had in your mind but never knew if it really existed.

Bulguksa gives you the opportunity to confirm it.

Symbolizing Buddha’s land on earth, but built by Kim Dae-Seong in 751 the temple was restored to its present form in 1973.

By 1995 it was designated a world cultural heritage site by UNESCO.

These days there might be more world cultural heritage sights than you could shake a stick at, with the quality of sites depressing further as more are added to the list.  One thing is for sure, is that Bulguksa deserves its place on the list.

After paying 4,000won to enter the temple grounds by one of two entrances make your way to the main halls.

Enjoy watching Korean families and gaggles of children discovering their own cultural history with a look of awe on their faces. See these same happy faces pose for photographs with a wide smile, peace sign, all chiming “kimchi!” in unison.

Climbing the pathway around the side of the temple (you cannot use the thirty-three steps to enter at the front as they’re closed off) enter the main pavilion, brining you to its most famous halls.

The main worshipping hall, Daewoongjeon, specifically represents Buddha’s land on earth. Geukrakjeon hall represents a land of perfect bliss where a good man goes after death.

In this area you cannot fail to miss national treasure no. 20, Dabotap pagoda, at 10.4 metres tall. Also look out for a typical three-storied pagoda at 8.2 metres high known as “muyeongtap”, meaning “no shadow”.

There are various other national treasures in the halls including guilt bronze seated Buddha’s.

Find the collection of small stones and build a pile. Make a wish upon completion but be sure not to knock anyone other piles over – this will result in bad luck.

Bulguksa Temple then is a sort of unofficial rites-of-passage for anyone in the Ulsan area. And even if you’re not interested you will go eventually.


With Seokguram grotto (another must see sight) a modest hike away there really is no excuse for visiting.

Getting there: There are a multitude of options available. Take an express bus to Gyeongju city jumping on a number 10 or 11 bus right outside. They run at regular intervals in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction driving past the main tourist sites in the area.

The train is also available with Bulguksa having its own station, though very few trains stop there each day. Listen out for this stop (it will be a very short one) or head on to Gyeongju and once again take the 10 / 11 bus to get you to the temple. It takes about 40 minutes by train and a little more by bus.

Selected train arrival and departure times.

Ulsan Station - Gyeongju Station:
09:20 – 09:57
07:25 – 08:05
10:29 (TBC) – 11:12
13:30 – 14:09
15:26 – 16:04
16:20 – 16:58
17:25 – 18:04
(After this time the temple is closed)

Gyeongju Station – Ulsan Station
06:30
10:24
10:49
15:12
16:59
18:16
18:15
20:25
22:15


Please undertake additional research to ensure a smoother journey to your destination.