Seokguram Grotto — Attraction in Gyeongju-si

Make sure to visit Seokguram!

The place I will introduce today is Seokguram in Gyeongju. Seokguram is located in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea, and Gyeongju is a famous place where you can see various cultural heritages because it was the capital of Silla in the past. Perhaps that's why Gyeongju preserved a lot of things and places that left traces of people who lived in the past, and especially there were many cultural heritages related to Silla. I would like to introduce Seokguram Rock because it is the most vivid memory among many places in Gyeongju that I have traveled.

Before entering Seokguram Hermitage in earnest, you should know the operating hours of the place. If you miss the time and can't see Seokguram Hermitage, it would be a shame. It is open from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, but it is open from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends, so if you want to visit Seokguram a little early, it is recommended to enjoy it on weekends. And to see Seokguram, you have to pay an entrance fee, which is 6,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for teenagers, and 3,000 won for children, and there were other ways to pay an entrance fee as a group.

Now I paid the entrance fee and finally got on the way to Seokguram Hermitage. This moment is still vivid in my memory. This makes me think that perhaps I was most impressed with Seokguram. It was winter when I traveled to Gyeongju, and it snowed a lot on the day I went to Seokguram. In particular, Seokguram Hermitage was colder because it was located in the mountain, and it was hard due to the snowstorm on the way to Seokguram Hermitage, but the sparkling white snow on the branches was so beautiful that it made me forget that it was hard. The scene I saw at that time is still unforgettable years later, so if you are planning to visit Seokguram Hermitage in Gyeongju, I sincerely recommend you to visit it in winter.

The last huge grotto statue I saw through the snowstorm made me feel grand as a child. And the information I read while looking at the Buddha statue is that modern people tried to remove all the stones from the ceiling of Seokguram and later adjust them again, but failed. After that, I read the explanation that without a system to adjust the concentration of air inside Seokguram, it became impossible to preserve the natural environment like before, and I thought again how great the wisdom of our ancestors was when I couldn't keep up with modern technology.

Lastly, it usually takes more than 3 hours by car to Gyeongju, so if you have severe motion sickness, it is recommended that you take motion sickness medicine in advance. And if you are planning to visit Gyeongju, I recommend you to try Hwangnambbang in Gyeongju. Gyeongju has many things to enjoy and there are many places to learn historical facts, so if you go on a trip later, I...

Seokguram Grotto, located in Gyeongju, South Korea, is an awe-inspiring Buddhist cave temple that stands as a testament to the artistic and spiritual achievements of the ancient Silla Dynasty. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Seokguram Grotto attracts visitors from around the world with its remarkable architecture and profound spiritual atmosphere.

Constructed in the 8th century during the reign of King Gyeongdeok, Seokguram Grotto was built to house a monumental stone statue of the Buddha and serve as a place of meditation and worship. Carved into the granite mountainside, the grotto showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Silla Dynasty.

The main highlight of Seokguram Grotto is the central statue of the Buddha, known as the Seokguram Buddha. The seated statue, measuring approximately 3.5 meters in height, exudes a sense of serenity and enlightenment. With its intricate details and gentle facial expression, the statue embodies the ideal of Buddhist enlightenment and serves as a source of inspiration for countless visitors.

The interior of the grotto features a domed ceiling adorned with intricate stone carvings and a circular corridor lined with bas-reliefs depicting various Buddhist deities, guardians, and celestial beings. The delicate and precise details of the carvings demonstrate the advanced artistry and devotion of the Silla craftsmen.

Surrounded by picturesque natural scenery, Seokguram Grotto offers breathtaking views of the East Sea and the surrounding mountains. The tranquil and serene atmosphere adds to the spiritual ambiance, inviting visitors to contemplate and reflect upon the teachings of Buddhism.

Preservation efforts have been undertaken to maintain the integrity of Seokguram Grotto, ensuring that future generations can appreciate its historical and cultural significance. Access to the grotto is regulated to minimize the impact of human activity on the delicate environment and the precious artwork within.

Visiting Seokguram Grotto provides a unique opportunity to delve into the spiritual and artistic legacy of the Silla Dynasty. Its combination of extraordinary architecture, profound symbolism, and stunning natural surroundings make it a truly mesmerizing destination. As one of South Korea's most treasured cultural sites, Seokguram Grotto offers a captivating journey into the heart of ancient Buddhist traditions and the rich heritage of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the...

Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju

Ok, not that far from Bulgugsa Temple, about an half an hours drive, this must have been the most disappointing stop!

For clarity, the grotto & the Buddha statue are amazing, but that’s where it stops!

Parking easy, the entrance gate great, then about a 1/2 mile walk through the forest, still acceptable, the many steps over stone hewn stairs, challenging but still ok! Then comes the surprise, what looks like a storefront for a coffee shop, was the actual teeny weeny entrance to the grotto, with a double door sized glass panel with a view to the statue, and plenty of stickers telling one NO CAMERA, NO PHOTOS! Seriously?

I get it for worshippers it’s a must do, for the photographers tourist, why on earthed is that not publicised at the entrance so one can make an informed decision, especially when the legs are no longer of a young persons?

SUPER DISAPPOINTING!

So if you are a believer, by all means, if you are a serious photographer, save yourself the trip and better off to spend more time at the Yangdon Village!

Some info on the grotto: (Credit goes to Trazy Blog, a site which I found most informative and worth using as a guidance!)

Seokguram Grotto is a stone cave that holds a statue of Buddha. There is a majestic stone statue that is one of the most valued stone statues in Korea. It is located close to Bulguksa Temple, both in Tohamsan Mountain. It is recognized for its outstanding architectural techniques and artistic merits.

Enjoy the photos of entrance & surroundings!

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