Hwangnyongsa Temple Site

Tourist attraction

★ 5.0 (6K+ reviews) • 51K+ booked

Discover the enchanting Hwangnyongsa Temple Site in Gyeongju, a historical gem that invites travelers to step back in time and explore the remnants of a grand temple that once stood as a beacon of Buddhist culture and architectural marvel in ancient Korea. Nestled in the heart of Gyeongju, this captivating destination was once the largest temple of the Silla Era and the tallest wooden structure in East Asia. Steeped in rich history and cultural significance, the Hwangnyongsa Temple Site offers a unique glimpse into the Silla Kingdom's spiritual and cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for those eager to delve into Korea's Buddhist past.

320-2 Guhwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Overview

Things to do

Hotels

5.0 /5

6K+ reviews

Read all reviews

Lay ********

27 Jun

nice & cosy Hanok stay. the hosts are very nice & friendly. morning breakfast was simple & nice. location is great as it’s near to most tourist places

Usuario de Klook

27 Jun

Group of various countries, everything was very fluid, very interesting attractions to see all the important things in the área. Cynthia was a marvelous guide. many thanks for everything.

Angela ***

15 Jun

Booking through Klook was convenient and easy. It was nice to have the KTX train tickets/seat reservations secured ahead of time. Price was fair even with the combo options. Would definitely use Klook again.

Klook 用戶

10 Jun

Affordable! It's really worthwhile to rent for a whole day! It's still in time to walk to Daereungwon, Gyochon, Woljeonggyo Bridge and back all day (we left the store at 12 o'clock and returned to the store at 18:30, and every place is super good to take pictures). The style of hanbok is very satisfying! There are hanboks of various sizes. If you are a girl over 168cm tall, there are fewer styles to choose from, such as the gradient long skirts on the website, but there are still many! It's enough for us to choose. There are about 20~30 modern hanboks for those over 168cm tall, and there are also traditional hanboks. Choose a long skirt on site first, then match your top, and the staff will help you put it on. You may need to take off your top to dress. The clothes you change can be locked in the store's cabinet. We stayed in the store for almost an hour and a half to choose and wear them because it was difficult to choose directly www, and each one looked good. The store will help with hair, and there are three hair styles to choose from, which is very fast. You can also choose a bag, you can put your phone and wallet in it to take pictures and feel safe~ Finally, a warm reminder, please remember to bring an umbrella, because we will be dark when we go back. The store will ask us to send the photos to them through the line method for them to be developed. We need to send them one hour before returning to the store, otherwise they will not have time to develop them.

Klook 用戶

9 Jun

This time I came to Gyeongju, South Korea for a trip, and specially arranged a trip to experience Hanbok. Because it was Sunday and I was worried that there would be a lot of people, I arrived at the Hanbok store on time at 09:50 in the morning, and checked in as soon as 10:00 arrived. I was the first customer to complete the selection and styling of the day. There were fewer styles of clothes for people under 160cm, but there were enough to choose from. The quality was good and the texture was good, and it looked very new. It only took me about 30 minutes from choosing clothes to putting on my hair and accessories. Of course, it is only limited to people who can choose clothes quickly, except for those who have difficulty in choosing 😂 The staff in the store are very efficient and the service is super professional!

祐美子 **

4 Jun

It was a half-day tour, but we were able to visit all the places we wanted to visit efficiently from the morning, so it was very fulfilling! The guide was friendly and explained things carefully. It had rained the day before, but it was sunny on the day, which was great.

Patricia ***

1 Jun

Super easy to use, just pick your preferred time slot, appear at the station and board the train at the correct carriage!

Klook User

23 May

you see so so much in one day. its quite fast paced, but therefore also very extensive. make sure you join this your rested and eager to learn

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Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Hwangnyongsa Pagoda

Step back in time and stand in awe at the foundation stones of the legendary nine-story Hwangnyongsa Pagoda. Once the tallest wooden structure in the world, these stones whisper tales of architectural brilliance from the Silla period. Although the pagoda itself no longer graces the skyline, the sheer size of its foundation offers a glimpse into its former majesty and the incredible craftsmanship of its creators.

Hwangnyongsa Temple Site

Embark on a journey through history at the Hwangnyongsa Temple Site, where the echoes of a grand past linger in the air. This expansive site, once home to the largest bell of Silla and numerous Buddhist treasures, invites you to explore the remnants of its magnificent structures. Discover the elevated foundations of the Geum-dang Hall and the nine-story wooden pagoda, and let your imagination reconstruct the grandeur of this once-majestic temple.

Hwangyongsa Temple History and Culture Center

Dive into the rich history of Hwangnyongsa Temple at the Hwangyongsa Temple History and Culture Center. Here, a one-tenth scale model of the original wooden pagoda and replicas of key artifacts bring the temple's storied past to life. Explore models and pictures of the golden triad, and enjoy panoramic views over the temple site from the viewing deck, offering a unique perspective on this historical treasure.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Hwangnyongsa Temple was a beacon of state-sponsored Buddhism during the Silla and Unified Silla eras, playing a pivotal role in the spread of Buddhism across Korea. This temple was not just a religious center but also a symbol of the Silla dynasty's power and cultural achievements. Its construction was inspired by a mystical encounter with a yellow dragon, and the temple's nine-story pagoda was instrumental in the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Built under royal patronage, it served as a place for monks to pray for the kingdom's welfare, symbolizing protection from neighboring nations.

Architectural Marvel

The nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple, designed by the Baekje architect Abiji, was a marvel of its time. This architectural wonder showcased the advanced wooden construction techniques of the era and symbolized Silla's aspirations and influence in East Asia. It was the largest wooden pagoda in East Asia for centuries, reflecting the grandeur and ambition of the Silla Kingdom.

Archaeological Discoveries

The extensive excavations at Hwangnyongsa Temple have unveiled a treasure trove of nearly 40,000 ancient artifacts, including gilt-bronze Buddhist statuettes and Tang China porcelain shards. These discoveries provide a fascinating glimpse into the temple's unique layout and its historical significance in international trade and cultural exchange. Despite the lack of historical clues about the temple's upper design, the site offers an intriguing insight into ancient Korean architecture.

Hwangnyongsa Temple Site