South Korea: Bulguksa Temple
Not far from the Seokguram Grotto lies the sacred Bulguksa Temple, another UNESCO World Heritage site. The first temple was built on the site in 548 AD, while most of the current structures are from 751-754, some of the oldest structures in Korea. Bulguksa translates as “Temple do the Buddha Land”. The temple is located on the slopes of Mount Tohamsan, and steep stairs lead up and up to higher ground and different temple buildings. On the main temple grounds stand two stone pagodas, Seokgatap and Davotap, that are 13 centuries old, both national treasures of Korea, and together symbolize balance and harmony – one is super ornate and elaborate and the other simple and plain. The temple has many other very important relics, like Buddha statues and wood paintings (the latter are some of the oldest in the world).
