Seokguram Grotto
Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto · 석굴암
Today
Why go
An artificial cave temple built from white granite halfway up Toham Mountain. With the main Buddha at the center, bodhisattvas, disciples and heavenly kings are carved around its walls. In 1995 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple.
Admission
Free
Highlights
History
Kim Dae-seong started building Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto (石窟庵) in 751, the 10th year of King Gyeongdeok of Silla, and it was completed in 774, the 10th year of King Hyegong. Its original name was Seokbulsa. King Gyeongdeok's reign, from 742 to 765, was the golden age of Silla Buddhist art, and Bulguksa and Dabotap Pagoda were also made around this time.
In all, 40 figures were carved inside the grotto, and 38 of them remain today. The ceiling of the round main chamber was built up from more than 360 flat stones. Keeping the grotto fully open made it hard to protect its temperature and humidity, so since 1976 visitors have viewed it from behind a glass wall.
Past the rectangular antechamber at the entrance and through a narrow corridor, you reach the round main chamber. The Eight Guardian Deities stand on both sides of the antechamber, the Vajra guardians at the corridor entrance and the Four Heavenly Kings on both sides of the corridor. The main Buddha sits in the middle of the main chamber, and the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara is on the round wall behind it.
Getting there
경상북도 경주시 석굴로 238
Where next
Tips
- It is open all year round, and admission is free. Pets are not allowed. Opening hours may change depending on circumstances, so check before you go.
- It is about 3km from Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple along the Toham Mountain hiking trail, or about 9km by car. The Seokguram public parking lot charges a fee.
Show details
- Address
- 경상북도 경주시 석굴로 238
- Admission
- Free