Bunhwangsa, Buddhist temple in Wolseong-dong, South Korea
Bunhwangsa is a Buddhist temple in South Korea with three remaining levels of a stone pagoda still standing. The pagoda was built with black andesite bricks arranged in a staircase pattern, showing the craftsmanship of those who constructed it.
The temple was founded in 634 and was one of the four principal Buddhist sites in the Silla Kingdom. This early date marks an important moment in how Buddhism became central to Korean society.
Guardian lions sit at the corners of the pagoda platform, a visual symbol of protection in Korean Buddhist tradition. These figures reflect how the place was designed to feel spiritually guarded for worshippers.
The temple sits in an easily accessible location where visitors can view and photograph the pagoda from outside. It is best to arrive in the early morning hours when there are fewer crowds and the light is better for photography.
During excavations in 1915, workers discovered a hidden relic chamber inside the pagoda containing cremated remains of a priest. This finding revealed that the temple served not only as a place of worship but also as a burial site for important religious figures.
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