Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

Two stairways climb to Bulguksa's halls of worship: Cheongungyo and Baegungyo on the east, Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo on the west. Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo lead to Anyangmun, the gate before Geungnakjeon, and are said to have been climbed not by ordinary people but by those already awakened in the western paradise. Eighteen steps in all: Yeonhwagyo's ten below, Chilbogyo's eight above. They are smaller than the eastern pair but very close to them in structure — stairs built in the form of a bridge, with a rainbow arch beneath. What is their own is this: a lotus petal is carved in relief on each tread of Yeonhwagyo. The carving has worn faint under the feet of centuries, which is why the stairway is now closed to traffic. They are thought to date from 751. People have climbed them praying for rebirth in paradise ever since the temple was founded; the widowed queen of King Heongang of Silla, who became a nun, is said to have come here to pray for the king's rebirth. Against the grandeur of the eastern stairs these show a finer kind of beauty, and the contrast is part of how Bulguksa is composed.

AI Translation

Visiting

Opening hours

09:00-18:00 (Exit time 19:00) * No pets allowed

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Free

Parking

Available

Information

+82-54-746-9913

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Treasure · 국보