Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju

The staircase dates to the establishment of Bulguksa Temple in the mid-8th century. It was repaired in 1919, and its balustrades were newly added in 1972.

The staircase consists of a lower eighteen steps and an upper sixteen steps that are separated by an intermediate landing. The upper section is supported by a wide platform, and the underside of each section is arched like a bridge. The upper section is referred to as Cheongungyo, meaning “Bridge of the Blue Cloud,” and the lower section is referred to as Baegungyo, meaning “Bridge of the White Cloud.” It is said that there was once a pond at the base of the staircase.

There is another stone staircase to the left of this one that leads to the courtyard of Geungnakjeon Hall. The staircase has the same overall design as this one but is smaller and less grand.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08