On a torrentially wet Wednesday morning, I headed for Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. “It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Seokguram Grotto [that I visited in the afternoon], which lies four kilometres to the east. The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom.”
![DSC_5287](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/1364051567_56bcaf9f1f_b.jpg)
One thing which immediately catches the eye is the swastika-looking insignia all over the buildings. These of course have nothing to do with the Nazi’s who stole and adapted the symbol from Hindu/Buddhist traditions. Swastikas can be seen on Dharmic based religious buildings across Korea – the symbol does not hold the same taboo that it does in the west.
![DSC_5310](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/1364063693_52b2e1f16b_b.jpg)
The stone pagodas are of particular historical importance (part of one of them resides in the British Museum!!) and reflect a story in the Lotus sutra. The left hand one (in the photo) is depicted on the obverse of the 10 won coin.
![DSC_5321](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/1364069895_0da476849b_b.jpg)
I’ve always thought that there is something very beautiful about these sorts of temples in the rain. More photos here.
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