Seokguram

This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. The specific problem is: Sculptures section repetitive with architecture section. Please help improve this article if you can. (August 2023) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

UNESCO World Heritage Site
Location	Gyeongju, Republic of Korea
Criteria	Cultural: i, iv
Reference	736
Inscription	1995 (19th Session)
Coordinates	35°47′42″N 129°20′57″E / 35.79500°N 129.34917°E / 35.79500; 129.34917
Location of Seokguram in South Korea

The Seokguram Grotto (Korean: 석굴암) is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex in Gyeongju, South Korea. It and Bulguksa are both on the mountain Tohamsan, although the two are separated by distance of around 3 kilometres (1.9 mi). The grotto overlooks the East Sea (Korean) and rests 750 meters above sea level. In 1962, it was designated the 24th National Treasure of South Korea. In 1995, Seokguram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Bulguksa Temple.^[1] It exemplifies some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world.^{[2][citation needed]}

The Seokguram Grotto is said to have been built by Kim Daeseong and originally called Seokbulsa (석불사; lit. Stone Buddha Temple). Construction began in either 742 or 751, during the cultural peak of the kingdom Unified Silla. The grotto was completed by the Silla court in 774, shortly after Kim's death.

The grotto is currently one of the best known cultural destinations in South Korea. A viewing of the sunrise over the sea, which is visible from near the seated Buddha's perch, is especially popular.^[3]