Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple (UNESCO/NHK)

Buddhist art of the Silla Kingdom, Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple. Bulguksa Temple is in the city of Gyeongju in southeastern South Korea. The dynasty of Silla united the Korean peninsula and built this temple complex using all its wealth and might. It's believed that one can leave the earthly world and enter the land of Buddha by crossing over these bridges and walking through this decorated gate. The Silla government tried to create a magnificent image of the land of Buddha and unify the people's spirit through Buddhism shortly after uniting the Korean peninsula. There is a statue of Vairakana Buddha right in the heart of the temple. Vairakana Buddha represents the vast wisdom of Buddha and illuminates everything that exists in the universe. Two stone stupas standing inside the complex have remained intact. Tabo-Tap Pagoda on the eastern side is 10 meters high. The square-shaped bottom layer becomes octagonal and then round near the top. It symbolizes the stages of enlightenment. The pagoda is richly adorned with decoration so intricate that it resembles a carved wooden statue. The tower on the western side is called the Sokka-Tap Pagoda. It's 8 meters in height. Kim Dae-sun, the founder of Bulguksa Temple, also built another temple during the same period. Buddhist guardians protect the entrance of this cave temple. There is a giant seated statue of Buddha inside, over 3 meters in height. Its dignified appearance expresses a determination to protect the country from foreign enemies. This site was created as a symbol of peace and national unity. It's a testament to the talents of craftsmen at the peak of the Silla dynasty and their remarkable interpretation of Buddha's world.