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The most famous of Korea’s hundreds of temples is pulkuk-sa.

Standing on a series of stone terraces on the western slopes of Mt. Toham, the temple complex commands a fine view of the many peaks of Mt. Namsan.

Traditional tile roofs make the temple buildings look as if they are about to take wing, and superbly complicated Tabotap and Sakya Pagoda spring high among the roofs and are reflected in a pond.

On the hill behind Pulkuk-sa is the Sokkuram grotto, hand carved from solid granite centuries ago. The statue of Buddha carved inside is said to be one of the best examples of Buddhist art in Asia and among 73 figures seated facing east to help defend the Silla people against pirates who infested the East Sea.

A temple annex several kilometers beyond was built by Kim Daesong and has become a major pilgrimage site for practitioners and students of Buddhism.


Photo Credits:
http://www.postech.ac.kr/LiMAT2001/Acceptance.htm