석굴암 (Gyeongju National Park)

Introduction

Seokguram Grotto is a precious, solemn masterpiece of Silla Buddhist rock art in Gyeongju. The granite grotto enshrining a sublime principal Buddha is the pinnacle of Korean Buddhist art, a stately sight in Gyeongju. Seokguram Grotto sits atop Tohamsan mountain near Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju, a precious, distinctive, solemn and renowned masterpiece of Silla-era Buddhist rock art, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Bulguksa and the pinnacle of Korean Buddhist art. Built by Silla artisans with exquisite skill, it is an artificial stone cave sanctuary constructed from granite blocks (distinct from caves carved into natural rock faces). Its most precious and breathtaking feature is the principal Buddha at the center: a seated Shakyamuni Buddha carved from a single huge granite block, majestic, compassionate, serene and perfect in proportion, with exquisite, lifelike carving and a radiance of compassion and wisdom, a pinnacle of Korean and Oriental Buddhist sculpture, solemn, exquisite and soul-stirring. Around the walls are finely carved reliefs of bodhisattvas, heavenly kings, arhats and others, together forming a solemn, exquisite, harmonious and sacred hall of Buddhist art, embodying the brilliant achievement and devout faith of Silla Buddhist art. (To protect these precious, fragile national-treasure statues, the principal Buddha is now usually viewed from outside the grotto through glass; please remain solemn, courteous and follow the rules.) From the summit of Tohamsan where the grotto sits, you can also look out over magnificent sea and mountain scenery. A visit to Gyeongju and its precious, solemn Seokguram is a stately sight.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info