Hwangnyongsa Temple Site
황룡사지
The site of Silla's largest state temple, where a nine-story wooden pagoda once stood about 80 m tall. Today, the empty rows of foundation stones and flower fields make a distinctive Gyeongju landscape.
Hwangnyongsa was a state temple founded by King Jinheung of Silla in 553. Its construction took nearly a century to complete. The nine-story wooden pagoda, completed in 645 and about 80 m tall, was among the tallest buildings in East Asia at the time. It was completely burned in the Mongol invasion of 1238. Today, only large rows of foundation stones and a central pillar base remain. Surrounded by farmland and flower fields, the open landscape is part of the Gyeongju Historic Areas World Heritage Site. Next to the site, the Hwangnyongsa Historical Culture Hall has a 1:10 scale model of the nine-story wooden pagoda and 3D video (about 3,000 won). Entry to the site is free. Getting there: a walk from Cheomseongdae or Bunhwangsa, and cycling is the most convenient way to get around.
Opening hours
Site open all day; cultural centre 09:00–18:00, closed Mon
Nearby sights
- Bunhwangsa Temple
- 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