Gyeongju Family Trip: Exploring Bulguksa Temple in 2026

Here's our recap of our unforgettable visit to Bulguksa Temple on Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju with the kids!

When you explore Gyeongju, there are absolutely essential spots you simply must visit, especially if you're traveling with children.

From the Gyeongju National Museum and Cheomseongdae Observatory to Bulguksa Temple, there are so many incredible places to discover. And seriously, if you're with little ones, you absolutely can't miss any of them!

Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple, 385 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Daily 09:00 - 18:00

054-746-9913

Bulguksa Temple, along with Seokguram Grotto, is a magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site.

Just gazing upon the Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas, both incredible National Treasures, instantly brought back such fond memories of school field trips from my childhood!

There's a gentle slope to ascend, and it was heartwarming to see the grandchildren thoughtfully helping their grandmother, who had a bit of discomfort in her knees, by gently pushing her from behind.

Befitting its long and storied history, magnificent ancient pine trees grace the landscape, adding to its timeless beauty.

The Dabotap and Seokgatap pagodas, standing majestically in front of Daeungjeon Hall, are truly artistic masterpieces, offering a captivating glimpse into the stunning culture and rich history of the Silla era.

It felt profoundly different from when I'd seen them during my childhood visits.

The area right in front of Daeungjeon Hall was absolutely brimming with a vibrant array of flowers, a truly beautiful sight!

It's said that Dabotap is a shortened name for 'Daboyeoraesangjujungmyeongtap,' which means 'Pagoda Proving the Presence of Many Treasures Buddha.'

It's a stunning testament to the exceptional stone masonry techniques of the Unified Silla period.

This is Seokgatap, famously known as Muyeongtap, or the 'Shadowless Pagoda,' due to a legend that it casts no shadow.

Seokgatap is also a shortened name, derived from 'Seokgayeoraesangjuseolbeoptap,' meaning 'Pagoda Where Sakyamuni Buddha Preaches Constantly.'

It's widely regarded as the most archetypal and fundamental form of Korean stone pagodas, a true classic.

In front of Daeungjeon Hall, you'll find Dabotap on the east side and Seokgatap on the west side, perfectly balanced.

And of course, I made sure to capture a photo of the Buddha.

The stairs leading up to Daeungjeon Hall are known as Cheongungyo and Baegungyo, while the stairs descending from Geuknakjeon Hall are called Chilbogyo and Yeonhwagyo. I can't quite remember which set of stairs these photos capture, but they appear to be Cheongungyo and Baegungyo.

The view of the pine trees and the sky, looking down from Bulguksa Temple, was truly magnificent.

They said they drew a dragon.....

Since I was traveling with my mother, we weren't able to make it to Seokguram Grotto.

We returned, promising to visit it on our next trip.

After returning to our accommodation and resting for a bit, I searched for nearby restaurants.

Matdol Sundubu

7 Bukgun-gil, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk

08:00 - 21:00

054-620-9000

Although the food might look simple, the tofu is made with 100% domestic soybeans, freshly ground by millstone every morning for the past 26 years. They say it's made using traditional cauldron methods. It's a place where people line up!

You also get a whole saury (pike mackerel) with your meal. Additional servings are ~\$1.

Cheomseongdae

839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongbuk

This is Cheomseongdae, a National Treasure that served as an astronomical observatory during the Silla Dynasty.

If you visit at night, various colors are projected by lights, making it even more beautiful to see than during the day.

Gyeongju 10-Won Bread at Cheomseongdae

The Gyeongju 10-Won Bread, located right in front of Cheomseongdae, is also one of the must-try treats!

Amenities at Sonobelle

Once night fell, we got to enjoy Sonobelle's various facilities with the kids.

There were so many fun play facilities perfect for kids to enjoy together!

Among the absolute must-visit spots in Gyeongju, we explored two incredible places: Bulguksa Temple and Cheomseongdae Observatory.

We also indulged in some delicious Millstone Soft Tofu (Metdol Sundubu) near our stay, and couldn't resist the famous Gyeongju 10 Won Bread (Gyeongju Sibwonppang) right in front of Cheomseongdae!

In the evening, back at our cozy Sonobelle Gyeongju, we wound down by playing games with the kids, wrapping up a truly memorable day.

In my next post, I'll dive into more Gyeongju adventures, covering Sonobelle's delightful breakfast, Daemyung Aqua World, the famous Gyori Gimbap, the Children's Museum, Cheonmachong Tomb, and so much more!