[Travel to Korea] Buddhist temples of VI century — Seokguram grotto

Let’s continue our tour around Buddhist temple Bulguksa.

If you climb up you will see the artificial grotto Seokguram, which is located at an altitude of 750 meters.

The construction of grotto was started in 742 during the Silla dynasty. At that time the grotto was called Seokpulsa, which means ‘A temple of stone Buddha’. Construction of the temple took around 32 years.

The culture of carving Buddha on the rocks came to South Korea from China. Actually, Chinese culture had a big impact on Korea and its development. Even until now, you can find some features of Chinese culture and traditions in Korean life and culture. According to historical annals, Buddhism to Korea was also brought by Chinese people.

It is believed that Seokguram grotto is a symbol of the human soul’s journey to the Nirvana. Buddhists believe that the front hall of the grotto is the earth, and the main hall is the sky. Therefore, the pilgrims started their journey with the Buddhist temple Bulguksa and then went to the grotto.

There is a statue of a Buddha sitting in the lotus pose in the main hall of Seokguram grotto. The stone panels around the statue depict various gods who protect and guard the temple.

In the 17th century, when the Joseon Dynasty was ruling the country, the Seokguram grotto was slightly rebuilt and restored.

If you visit Bulguksa temple you definitely should visit Seokguram grotto too. It really worth it!