Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 23
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Cheongungyo and Baegungyo Bridges of Bulguksa Temple
(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
🏯 1. Bridges of Heaven and Clouds
At the entrance to Bulguksa Temple stand two graceful stone stairways — Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge).
These are not ordinary steps; they are symbolic pathways leading from the human world to the Buddhist realm — from the earth to paradise.
The “blue cloud” and the “white cloud” together represent the ascending journey toward enlightenment, bridging the physical and the spiritual.
As one climbs these stairs, each step feels like leaving behind the burdens of the world and moving closer to peace and wisdom.
🪨 2. Architectural Beauty and Symbolism
Built during the Unified Silla period (8th century), these bridges are masterpieces of stone architecture.
▪️ Cheongungyo, the lower bridge, consists of 17 steps.
▪️ Baegungyo, the upper bridge, has 16 steps.
Together they form 33 steps, symbolizing the Thirty-three Heavens (Trāyastriṃśa) in Buddhist cosmology — the stages of ascension toward enlightenment.
Beneath the arch lies a shallow pool of water, representing the boundary between the mundane world and the sacred land of Buddha.
This subtle detail shows the deep spirituality and refined artistic sense of the Silla people.
🌄 3. A Path of Faith Leading to the Sky
The two bridges are more than stone structures; they embody a spiritual journey.
Walking up these steps was once considered an act of devotion and purification, each stone carrying the prayers and hopes of countless believers.
Even today, pilgrims pause on the stairs, breathing slowly, reflecting quietly —
feeling that every upward step brings them closer to the light of understanding.
🌿 4. Preservation and Cultural Value
Despite centuries of wind and rain, the Cheongungyo and Baegungyo bridges remain in remarkable condition.
In 1995, Bulguksa Temple, along with Seokguram Grotto, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Among all its treasures, these bridges are seen as the symbolic heart of Bulguksa — a perfect harmony of faith and form.
They represent the pinnacle of Silla’s stone craftsmanship and spiritual architecture —
a timeless legacy carved in granite and devotion.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“When you walk up these stone steps and look toward the sky,
you walk not only upward, but inward.
Cheongungyo and Baegungyo remind us
that peace lies not in the heavens above, but in the quiet heart within.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal.