Looking inside the main hall, the Daeungjeon, a figure stood there
On the outskirts of Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital, stands Bulguksa, a Buddhist temple now listed as a World Heritage Site. Founded during the Silla period, it is old enough to command respect by pedigree alone, yet its history has never followed a neat, upward line. Long before the Joseon dynasty came into being, the temple had already fallen into something close to ruin. Paradoxically, that half-forgotten state worked in its favor. When anti-Buddhist policies swept through Joseon society, Bulguksa survived by virtue of being overlooked. In history, obscurity can sometimes be a form of protection. Revived in the modern era, the temple eventually emerged with the impressive title of World Heritage Site attached to its name, a reminder that history often rewards in unexpected ways.
As I wandered through the grounds, the sky darkened and rain began to fall. Lacking an umbrella, I had little choice but to take shelter under the eaves. Listening to rain strike the tiled roofs, I decided to count this pause as part of the visit. As with traditional temple architecture in Japan, the curve of the roofs and the intricate wooden brackets here are not mere decoration. On a rainy day, their purpose becomes clear. They are the accumulated wisdom of centuries, designed to keep water away and protect wood from decay.
While waiting for the rain to ease, my eyes drifted toward Daeungjeon, the main hall of Bulguksa, rebuilt in 1765. I could see silhouettes moving inside. If one must wait out an uncertain rain, perhaps standing within the main hall carries a bit more merit than lingering beneath a corridor roof. Then again, merit probably depends less on location than on one’s state of mind. Still, it seemed as good a place as any to let the rain pass, surrounded by the quiet patience of a temple that has endured both neglect and revival.
| Oct 2008 IN THE CITY SOUTH KOREA | |
| FIGURE GYEONGJU HALL ROOF TEMPLE WORLD HERITAGE SITE |
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PHOTO DATA
No
2148
Shooting Date
Jul 2008
Posted On
October 28, 2008
Modified On
January 5, 2026
Place
Gyeongju, South Korea
Genre
Street Photography
Camera
CANON EOS 1V
Lens
EF85MM F1.2L II USM
