Stone Shrine and Buddha of Unjusa Temple, Hwasun

A bulgam is a small shrine or chamber built to house a Buddha image, generally smaller in scale than an ordinary building. The stone bulgam of Unjusa Temple, standing in the valley of Datapbong Peak (literally 'Peak of Many Pagodas'), is a representative example of a shrine built outside a main hall. As the peak's name suggests, numerous stone pagodas and Buddha images can be seen along the way to its summit. The shrine chamber is rectangular in plan, with slab stones closing off both side walls while leaving the front and back open. Above it, dressed stones are laid in the shape of a hip-and-gable roof, its figure-eight profile modelled on wooden architecture. Inside the chamber are enshrined two Buddha images, placed back to back, an unusual arrangement rarely seen elsewhere. The carving technique is not especially refined, but it clearly shows the regional characteristics that emerged during the Goryeo period. No other example of such a large stone bulgam has been found in Korea, and the two Buddha images placed back to back within the chamber are likewise an unusual form, giving this an extremely valuable resource.

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Visiting

Opening hours

Open 24 hr

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Parking

Available

Information

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330<br> (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)<br> • For more info: +82-61-374-0660

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Hwasun, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물