If you look closely at the gates of Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, you might notice a goblin-like face carved into the wooden door or around the doorknob area. This design, often called a “Dokkaebi” (Korean goblin) motif or “Gwimyeon” (ghost face), is a traditional element found in Korean temple architecture.
What many call a “goblin face” is actually closer to a guardian demon mask, known as Gwimyeon (鬼面), or a half-beast, half-human figure.
Artifacts such as the “Roof Tile with Goblin Pattern” from the Unified Silla period—discovered in Gyeongju and now housed in the Gyeongju National Museum—show that this motif dates back more than a thousand years.
Traditionally, these carvings were believed to ward off evil spirits and protect sacred spaces from misfortune or bad energy.
Even today, visitors describe the gate’s decoration as “two goblin faces watching over the entrance,” symbolizing guardianship and protection.
🏯 Why It Appears at Bulguksa
Bulguksa, located on the slopes of Mount Toham, was built during the Unified Silla Dynasty (8th century) and is one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples. Every part of the temple’s design carries symbolic meaning, and the gate is no exception. The goblin-like figure near the door handle or door frame serves both an aesthetic and spiritual function—it marks the boundary between the human and the sacred world, while visually “guarding” the entrance. These motifs remind visitors that the temple is not merely a physical structure, but a spiritual realm that requires respect and reverence.
🧭 How to Spot It
When visiting Bulguksa, look carefully around the door frame, hinges, or handle areas.
You’ll often find a carved face with horns, bulging eyes, and an open mouth—meant to frighten away evil spirits.
Depending on the lighting and your viewing angle, the face may appear subtle or vividly expressive, so it’s worth observing slowly from different positions.
Try photographing it from side angles or in soft natural light for the most striking images.
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⚠️ A Few Notes
Some of these carvings have been weathered or replaced during restorations over the centuries, so not every goblin-like feature is original. Therefore, rather than focusing on whether it’s a “real goblin,” it’s better to appreciate it as part of Korea’s rich architectural symbolism that blends artistry, religion, and folklore. Similar designs can also be found in traditional gates and temple doors across the Korean Peninsula.
