Bunhwangsa Temple
분황사
An ancient temple founded during the reign of Queen Seondeok. Its surviving brick-style stone pagoda is Silla's oldest stone pagoda and stands next to the Hwangnyongsa site.
Bunhwangsa was founded by Queen Seondeok of Silla in 634. The monk Wonhyo once stayed here. Its 'brick-style stone pagoda' (a National Treasure) is built from andesite cut into brick-shaped blocks, imitating the form of a brick pagoda. It originally had nine stories, and three remain today. Relief carvings of guardian warriors decorate the entrances on all four sides, and stone lions crouch at the four corners of the base. It is Silla's oldest surviving stone pagoda. The temple is modest in size, but it preserves the Yonggyeong Well and the Bogwangjeon Hall. The entrance fee is about 2,000 won. It is within walking distance of Hwangnyongsa Temple Site and the National Museum of Gyeongju. Getting there: about 15 minutes by bicycle from the city center, or take a bus and get off at Bunhwangsa Station.
Opening hours
Roughly 09:00–18:00 (until 17:00 in winter)
Nearby sights
- Hwangnyongsa Temple Site
- Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond
- Gyeongju National Museum
- Cheomseongdae Observatory
- Gyerim Forest & Wolseong Palace Site
- Woljeonggyo Bridge
- Gyochon Hanok Village & Choi Clan House
- Daereungwon Tomb Complex