Golgulsa Temple: A Hidden Gem in Gyeongju National Park
Gyeongju is such a famous tourist destination that most people have probably visited it at least once, right? Cheomseongdae Observatory, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto… They were all staples on school trip itineraries. But did you know that Gyeongju National Park has a unique cave temple with remarkable tafoni formations?
Unlike typical nature-centered national parks, Gyeongju National Park is a cultural national park dedicated to preserving the Silla Dynasty’s cultural heritage, making it practically an open-air museum. Among these treasures, I'd like to introduce you to 'Golgulsa Temple,' located in the Tohamsan district!
As part of the Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark and a place where you can even trace the footsteps of the Venerable Wonhyo, I highly recommend this destination for a trip to Gyeongju where you can enjoy both history and geological learning.
Golgulsa Temple: A Famous Site in Gyeongju National Park & Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark
✅ Gyeongju National Park
- Established in 1968, the second national park designated in Korea
- Comprises a total of 8 districts, including Namsan, Tohamsan, Daebon, and Seoak
✅ Must-Visit Places Near Tohamsan District
- Gameunsa Temple Site: A representative temple site from the Unified Silla period
- Royal Tomb of King Munmu: The world's only underwater royal tomb
- Girimsa Temple: A temple founded during the Silla Dynasty
- Yangnam Columnar Joints: Gyeongbuk East Coast Geopark
Golgulsa Temple is a very unique temple nestled in the Hamwolsan Mountain range of Gyeongju. It is a special cultural heritage site within the Tohamsan district, holding the title of Korea's oldest cave temple!
It is said to have been founded about 1,500 years ago during the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla by a monk named 'Kwang Yu' from India. Perhaps that's why it's different from typical temples. The Dharma halls carved into the rock and the cliff-carved Buddha image create Golgulsa's unique atmosphere.
And the special reason why this temple stands out is that it is the headquarters of 'Sunmudo.' Sunmudo is a traditional Buddhist practice that combines yoga-like flexibility, meditation, and martial arts. At Golgulsa Temple, Sunmudo performances are held every day (except Monday and Tuesday) at 3 PM. Seeing the harmony of martial arts and Zen in the serene temple is truly moving.
When I arrived at the parking lot, I saw so many temple stay participants. They were all foreigners! It seemed to be a famous Korean temple stay destination, especially among Westerners. In particular, the Golgulsa Temple Stay offers a fulfilling program where you can experience not only simple meditation and relaxation but also Sunmudo training and traditional monastic meals.
The path leading up from the parking lot is filled with greenery, making it healing just to take a leisurely stroll.
Golgulsa Temple also has another charm: its value as a National Geopark. The terrain around the temple is mostly composed of tuff. This tuff has been eroded by wind and water over a long period of time, creating concave holes called 'tafoni' formations.
Tafoni are one of the rarest landforms in the world, making them a geologically precious resource. The view from the temple is beautiful, but if you look closely, it's like a work of art created by nature, and it's truly awe-inspiring. It's also a great photo spot!
As you explore Golgulsa Temple, you'll realize that it's not just a simple temple. A mysterious atmosphere flows throughout the temple, and there's an inexplicable energy. The central figure is the great Silla monk, Wonhyo.
Venerable Wonhyo had an immense influence not only on Gyeongju but also on Korean Buddhism as a whole. He is widely known for his Hwajeong ideology that “all sentient beings can become Buddhas.” The philosophy he left behind continues to resonate deeply with many people today.
Golgulsa Temple is particularly known as the place where 'Venerable Wonhyo's path of seeking enlightenment' ended, that is, the place where he attained nirvana. According to historical records, Venerable Wonhyo spent his last days practicing at Golgulsa Temple before passing into nirvana in the Dharma Hall Cave.
Golgulsa Temple has 12 caves. Among them, the 'Dharma Hall Cave' is known as the place where the great Silla monk Wonhyo attained nirvana. This story has been passed down in various records, including the <Samguk Yusa> and the <Girimsa Temple History>.
Another story! This place is also famous as a mysterious prayer site with a legend that the sick were healed when they prayed. Perhaps that's why so many people still come to pray.
Standing in front of the Sunmudo statue and climbing each of the caves, I felt like I was walking the path of seeking enlightenment myself. At the end of that path, you encounter the Rock-carved Seated Buddha, and the Dharma Hall in the silent cave. All of this felt like a journey of practice called life.
‘Venerable Wonhyo’s path of seeking enlightenment’ was not just a physical journey, but a path where the whole life was a practice. This path, which starts from Girimsa Temple and leads to Golgulsa Temple, is also a path that achieved the maturity of Buddhist philosophy and thought. In that sense, Golgulsa Temple is not just a simple cave temple, but a spiritual space where Venerable Wonhyo’s last steps touched.
Maybe that's why? Standing in front of the Golgulsa Temple Dharma Hall, I felt humbled. I felt like Venerable Wonhyo was still quietly meditating inside. People call this place a mysterious prayer site and a healing space, and the spirit and footsteps of Venerable Wonhyo are at the center of all this atmosphere.
Will I have some kind of enlightenment like Venerable Wonhyo? The scenery I stopped to look at, letting go of my heart, was a quiet time of reflection gifted by Gyeongju.
There is something you must see at Golgulsa Temple. It is the Rock-carved Seated Buddha, designated as Treasure No. 581. It's a Buddha statue on the top of a cliff! It is a large Buddha statue with a height of 4m, and it has a truly majestic and serene atmosphere.
This Rock-carved Buddha is estimated to be from the 9th century during the Silla Dynasty. Because the Buddha statue is carved into the rock itself, it has been severely weathered over the years. Therefore, it is currently covered with a glass roof. Still, the appearance itself was really impressive. It felt even more mysterious that the Buddha was in a position to look down on all living beings, facing the Royal Tomb of King Munmu.
A hidden gem of Gyeongju National Park, a center of Korean Buddhist practice, the home of Sunmudo, and a natural work of art created by the tafoni formations of the National Geopark. It's a place where you can train your body and mind through Sunmudo, feel history and faith by looking at the cave Buddha statues, and reflect on the essence of life through a temple stay.
Spending a day in a mysterious cave temple will make your trip to Gyeongju more than just a sightseeing tour, but an 'experience.' Center your trip around the Tohamsan district of Gyeongju National Park and explore not only Bulguksa Temple but also various relics and nature in Gampo!
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