Bulguksa Temple, located on Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju, was started in the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok’s reign (751) by Kim Dae-seong, who was the prime minister at the time, and was completed in the 10th year of King Hyegong’s reign (774). After that, most of the buildings were burned down during the Japanese invasion on the 26th

year of King Seonjo’s reign (1593). After that, only some buildings, such as Geungnakjeon Hall, Jahamun Gate, and Beomyeongnu Pavilion, survived until they were restored after an excavation survey from 1969 to 1973, giving them their current appearance.

Within the temple grounds, Dabotap Pagoda, a three-story stone pagoda called Seokgatap Pagoda built during the Unified Silla period, Cheongun and Baekungyo Bridges leading to Jahamun Gate, and Yeonhwa and Chilbogyo Bridges leading to Geungnakjeon Hall are preserved as national treasures. These cultural heritages allow us to catch a glimpse of the excellent stonework skills of the Silla people at the time.

In addition, many cultural heritages, including the gilt-bronze Vairochana Buddha seated in Birojeon Hall and the gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha seated in Geungnakjeon Hall, remind us of the splendid Buddhist culture of that time. In recognition of these values, it was registered as a World Heritage Site along with Seokguram Grotto in December 1995.

Cheonmachong is a large stone-mound wooden chamber tomb. A stone-mound wooden chamber tomb is a characteristic Silla tomb in which a wooden coffin and a chest containing burial goods are placed within a large wooden chamber. Stones are piled up to cover the chamber, and a circular earthen mound is made.

Cheonmachong Tomb is a large tomb measuring 47 meters in diameter and 12.7 meters in height, presumed to be a royal tomb. Currently, it is the only royal tomb in Daereungwon that has been excavated, and its interior is open to the public. Eleven thousand five hundred twenty-six artifacts, including ornaments, weapons, horse gear, and vessels, were excavated from Cheonmachong Tomb. Among them, the gold crown, gold cap, and gold belt have each been designated as national treasures. Also of note is National Treasure No. 207, the Cheonmado, a mud-covered burial box from Cheonmachong Tomb in Gyeongju. This artifact, commonly referred to as the Cheonmado, was discovered inside a box containing burial goods. Initially, a mud-covered burial box made of birch bark has a picture of a Cheonma painted on it. The discovery of this painting of a Cheonmado led to the tomb being called Cheonmachong (Cheonmachong Tomb). However, recent claims that the subject of the painting is not a Cheonma but a giraffe have gained traction.