Seokguram Grotto
Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, a masterpiece of religion, science, technology, and art
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Planning the visit
Seokguram Grotto is stop 4 of 8 on the Golden Era Route.
You will find the stamp at the Culture and Tourism Commentator's Office at Seokguram Grotto.
Admission is charged: Adults KRW 6,000 / Teenagers KRW 4,000 / Children KRW 3,000.
The two closest stamp points are Bulguksa Temple, 1.8 km away, and Daereungwon Tomb Complex at 11 km. All three fit into one day.
Details
- Address
- 873-243, Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- Stamp zone
- Culture and Tourism Commentator’s Office at Seokguram Grotto
- Hours
- Weekdays 09:00-18:00 Weekends and holidays 09:00-18:00 (Open year round; pets are not allowed, Hours may be changed at the discretion of the host (Please check viewing hours before entering).)
- Admission
- Adults KRW 6,000 / Teenagers KRW 4,000 / Children KRW 3,000
- Phone
- 054-746-9933
- Website
- www.seokguram.org
- Coordinates
- 35.79480, 129.34920
What the campaign says about it
Seokguram Grotto was built during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (742~765 CE), which is largely considered the heyday of Buddhist art in Silla. Construction began at the same time as Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, and was completed in 774 CE (10th year of King Hyegong). Originally, Seokguram was named Seokbulsa. Unlike natural caves or other man-made caves, Seokguram was built according to a highly sophisticated master plan and offers unrivaled historical and cultural value. In terms of its layout, the long corridor connects the entrance to the main circular chamber. The rectangular ante-room, representing the secular world, has eight gods tasked with protecting the Buddhist world order. At the entrance of the passage is an engraving of the Geumgangyeoksa, while on the walls are the four heavenly kings that protect Seokguram from all four cardinal directions. The main chamber at the end of the corridor represents the divine world of the Buddha. Under the dome-shaped ceiling, which is perfectly balanced and proportioned, is the stone statue of a Seated Sakyamuni Buddha, praised as a masterpiece of Buddhist sculpture. The majestic statue, which has soft flowing curves that add a sense of liveliness, is meant to capture the very moment Sakyamuni attained enlightenment. It is a great example of both the technique and religious devotion artisans had in Silla.
Quoted from the Visit Korean Heritage Campaign.
Getting there
Get off at the KTX Singyeongju station → Take bus no. 700 at the Singyeongju station bus stop → Get off at the Bulguksa Temple bus station, then transfer to the intra-city bus no. 12 → Get off at Seokguram Grotto bus stop → Walk for 1 minute
Photographs
Photographs supplied by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation.