Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju

Seokguram grotto was first constructed by Prime Minister Gim Dae-seong in 751, the 10th year of Silla King Gyeongdeok, Originally, it was called Seok bulsa.

The layout of the grotto shows a rectangular antechamber and a round main hall. In the rotunda hall sits a majestic Buddha carved in granite. There are various figures surrounding the Buddha. Two Devas, two Bodhisattavas, ten standing Arhants, an eleven-headed Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva(the Bodhisattva of Boundless Mercy), Eight Guardian Gods, Vajrapāni and Four Guardian Kings were sculptured on the wall behind the main Buddha.

According to the Samgukyusa, Gim Dae-seong founded Seokguram for the parents of his previous life. Seokguram represents not only the supremacy of Silla arts, but also is regarded as the best oriental Buddhist work, Thus along with

Bulguksa, this grotto was designated in 1995 as the world cultural heritage by the UNESCO.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08