Bulguksa Temple
Tohamsan foothills, South Korea
Bulguksa rewards a slow visit through its courtyards, where stone structures and painted timber buildings reveal different aspects of Silla Buddhist design. The temple has been rebuilt and restored over the centuries, so it is worth reading the explanations rather than assuming every building is ancient. Set aside time to look closely at the stonework and pagodas. Combine it with Seokguram only after checking the journey between the two sites.