Bunhwangsa Temple

Overview

Bunhwangsa is one of Gyeongju's oldest temples, founded in 634 CE under Queen Seondeok. Its star attraction is the Mojeontap — a stone pagoda built from andesite blocks cut to resemble brick, the oldest datable stone pagoda in Korea. Originally nine storeys tall, only three survive today.

Highlights

• Mojeontap Stone Pagoda: National Treasure No. 30, featuring carved guardian lions at its base and a unique brick-like stone construction technique.
• Sacred Well (Samnyongbyeon): A holy spring on the temple grounds associated with a Silla-era legend about three dragons.
• Quiet Grounds: Far less crowded than Bulguksa, offering a more contemplative temple experience.

History

Queen Seondeok — Korea's first reigning queen — commissioned Bunhwangsa in her second year on the throne. The great Silla monk Wonhyo studied here. The temple was a major religious centre with hundreds of buildings, but repeated fires and invasions reduced it to its present modest scale.

Visitor Tips

• Near Hwangnyongsa: The two sites are 500 metres apart — visit them together.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.
• Entry fee: ₩1,500 — budget-friendly.