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Audio Guide Golgulsa Temple

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Duration: 20 min
Golgulsa Temple
Audio included

About this place

Korea's sole temple built within a rock cave, featuring a 9th-century Buddha carved directly into the stone. Golgulsa in Gyeongju is renowned for its daily Seonmudo martial arts demonstrations, a distinctive Korean practice blending combat with meditation. The temple offers a Templestay programme, allowing visitors to experience monastic life firsthand. An unusual and culturally significant visit for those interested in Korean Buddhism and martial traditions.

Practical information

101-5 Girim-ro, Munmudaewang-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Official website

Points included in this audio guide

1
Buda Maya Tathagata

Buda Maya Tathagata

The Maya Tathagata Buddha stands four metres high, carved directly into the rockface of Mount Hamwolsan at the highest point of the temple complex. Dating from the 9th century, this striking figure is sheltered beneath a protective structure against the elements. It remains one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture from the Silla period and what to see when you visit Gyeongju's important cultural heritage sites.

2
Gwaneum Cave

Gwaneum Cave

Gwaneum Cave is the principal sanctuary among seven caverns preserved at Golgulsa temple in Gyeongju, dedicated to the Buddhist deity of compassion. Though its tiled roof and facade resemble a conventional temple structure, the interior is entirely carved from living rock. The shrine's distinctive appearance—combining architectural elements with raw stone excavation—makes it a significant example of Buddhist cave sanctuaries. What to see here includes the intricate rock-carved details and the spiritual atmosphere created by the natural stone environment.

3
Gwangneum Cave

Gwangneum Cave

Gwangneum Cave is one of seven surviving rock-cut chambers within the Golgulsa complex near Gyeongju. Access requires climbing steep stone steps equipped with ropes and handrails fixed directly into the rock face. What sets it apart is the unusual combination of a tiled façade resembling a conventional temple with an interior entirely carved from living rock—ceiling, walls and all. Worth a visit for its distinctive blend of architectural styling and cave engineering.

4
Jijang Cave

Jijang Cave

Jijang Cave is one of seven sacred caverns nestled within the Golgulsa rock complex near Gyeongju. Access demands a strenuous climb up steep stone steps, with visitors relying on ropes and metal railings anchored into the rock face. The ascent is challenging but rewarding for those keen to visit this significant religious site.

5
Yaksa Cave

Yaksa Cave

Yaksa Cave is one of seven surviving grottos within the Golgulsa rock complex near Gyeongju. Access involves climbing steep stone steps and using rope fixtures secured to the cliff face. The cave forms part of a cluster of sanctuaries carved directly into the bedrock of Hamwolsan mountain, offering a glimpse into this remarkable site's historical significance and challenging topography.

High-quality audio guide of Golgulsa Temple
Available offline
Available in more than 10 languages
5 points of interest included
  • 1.Buda Maya Tathagata
  • 2.Gwaneum Cave
  • 3.Gwangneum Cave
  • 4.Jijang Cave
  • 5.Yaksa Cave

Kids audio available

Kids version available with adapted and fun language for the little ones (12 min)

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