Buseoksa, Buddhist temple in Yeongju, South Korea
Buseoksa is a Buddhist temple nestled in the mountains, featuring multiple halls, pagodas, and stone structures built in traditional Korean style. The buildings spread across the sloped terrain, creating a layered composition of religious and residential spaces.
The temple was founded in the 7th century during the Silla period and grew to become one of Korea's major mountain monasteries. It remains part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sansa, a group of seven temples recognized for their historical significance.
The temple serves as an active center where monks perform daily Buddhist rituals and visitors can join meditation sessions. This living tradition shapes how the space functions as a spiritual community today.
The temple sits on steep hillside terrain with pathways connecting different sections at varying elevations. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for walking up and down between the various halls and courtyards.
The name means Floating Rock Temple, referencing the distinctive rock formations that support the buildings. These natural features are so striking that they inspired the temple's name and remain visually prominent today.
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