Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto is located on Mount Toham and is a typical stone cave temple in Korea. It is National Treasure No. 24, officially named the Seokguram Grotto. In 1995, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an artificial grotto temple built from granite. It was constructed in 751 (during the reign of King Gyeongdeok, 742–765) by Kim Daeseong (700–774) and took 24 years to complete, finishing in 774 (during the reign of King Hyegong, 765–780). It is said that Seokguram and Bulguksa Temple were built around the same time. According to the Samguk Yusa, a historical record from the Goryeo Dynasty [established after the unification of the Korean Peninsula at the end of the Silla period (918–1392)], Kim Daeseong built Bulguksa Temple for his parents in this life and Seokguram Grotto for his parents in his previous life. Seokguram is situated on the eastern peak of Mount Toham (elevation 745 m) and is an artificially constructed grotto temple made by processing and stacking granite. The main chamber is circular and houses a main Buddha statue along with statues of bodhisattvas and disciples. The grotto was built specifically to enshrine the main Buddha statue. The principal Buddha sits on a lotus pedestal, with a gentle posture and a benevolent expression. The ceiling is semi-circular or arched, topped with a round plate adorned with lotus patterns. The sunrise view here is stunning, attracting many visitors in the early morning.

Transportation 1. By Car ① Take city bus No. 10 or 11 from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, Express Bus Terminal, or across from Gyeongju Station, and get off at the Bulguksa Parking Lot. (Buses run every 8 minutes / 40-minute ride) ② From Bulguksa, take shuttle bus No. 12 to Seokguram (every hour / 15-minute ride), then walk for 1 hour. 2. By Taxi: It takes about 30–40 minutes from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal to the Seokguram Parking Lot by taxi.

Details 1. Inquiry: Bulguksa Tourist Information Center +82-54-746-4747 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) 2. Opening Hours: Winter (Nov–Feb) 07:00–17:00 / Summer (Mar–Oct) 07:00–18:00 3. Admission Fees: Category | 19+ | 13–18 | 7–12 Individual | 4,000 | 3,000 | 2,000 Group (30+) | 4,000 | 2,500 | 1,500 * Free for seniors over 65 and children under 6 ** Kindergarten groups: 1,000 KRW 4. Parking Fee: Small vehicles 2,000 KRW / Large vehicles 4,000 KRW

Location: Foot of Mount Toham, Jindan-dong, Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province

Ticket Price: 4,000 KRW

Opening Hours: 07:00 – 17:00

Gyeongju, South Korea