Gyeongju Travel - Exploring Bulguksa Temple, Gameunsa Temple Site, and Daewangam

Gyeongju is a historic city that served as the capital of the Silla Dynasty for over 1,000 years, known as Seorabeol, Geumseong, or Gyerim at the time. In particular, I visited Bulguksa Temple and Gameunsa Temple Site, which were representative temples of the Unified Silla period. 1️⃣ Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, first built during the reign of King Beopheung but significantly reconstructed by Kim Dae-Seong during the reign of King Gyeongdeok after the unification. 2️⃣ Bulguksa Temple houses many relics, among which the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas are the most famous. Dabotap, National Treasure No. 20, is also the background of the 10-won coin, and originally there were four stone lions at the base, but now only one remains. 3️⃣ Alongside Dabotap, Seokgatap, National Treasure No. 21, stands facing it. Notably, the oldest existing Mugujeonggwang Great Dharani Sutra was discovered in Seokgatap. 4️⃣ Leaving Bulguksa Temple and heading towards the city, you can see a replica of the nine-story pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple, which is said to have been the largest in Silla. 5️⃣ Leaving the city of Gyeongju and heading towards Gampo Bay on the East Sea, you can find the Gameunsa Temple Site, built by King Munmu's son in memory of his father who unified the three kingdoms, and there you can also see the Gameunsa Temple Site Three-Story Stone Pagoda, National Treasure No. 112. 6️⃣ Next to the Gameunsa Temple Site, in Gampo Bay, is King Munmu's underwater tomb, also known as Daewangam. 7️⃣ Gyeongju is also famous for delicious foods such as mulhoe and milmyeon, so be sure to try the local cuisine along with your historical and cultural journey of Silla.