Seokguram (Korean: 석굴암; Hanja: 石窟庵) is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex in Gyeongju, South Korea. It and Bulguksa are both located on Tohamsan mountain, but they are about 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) apart. The grotto overlooks the East Sea and is situated 750 meters above sea level. In 1962, it was named the 24th National Treasure of South Korea. In 1995, Seokguram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List along with Bulguksa Temple. It shows some of the finest Buddhist sculptures in the world.

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

Today, the grotto is one of the most well-known cultural sites in South Korea. Watching the sunrise over the sea, which can be seen from near the seated Buddha’s position, is a popular activity.

Architecture

The tradition of carving images of Buddha, holy figures, and stupas into cliff walls and natural caves began in India. This practice involved carving statues of their gods into rock. Over time, this method spread to China and then to Korea. However, the geology of the Korean Peninsula, which has a lot of hard granite, made it difficult to carve statues directly into cliff walls.

The layout of the grotto includes an arched entrance that leads into a rectangular antechamber. This is followed by a narrow corridor lined with bas-reliefs, which then leads to the main rotunda. At the center of the granite sanctuary is a seated Buddha statue. The identity of the Buddha remains uncertain. The statue is seated on a lotus throne with crossed legs. Around the Buddha, fifteen panels display bodhisattvas, arhats, and ancient Indian gods. Ten statues are also placed in niches along the rotunda wall. Forty figures representing Buddhist teachings and principles are located inside the grotto. The grotto was built to protect these statues from weathering. The ceiling of the Seokguram Grotto features half moons, with a lotus flower at the top. Silla architects used symmetry and likely applied the concept of the golden rectangle in the design.

The grotto is constructed from hundreds of granite stones. No mortar was used; instead, the structure is held together with stone rivets. Natural ventilation was also used in the construction. The dome of the rotunda measures between 6.84 meters and 6.58 meters in diameter.

The Seokguram Grotto symbolizes a spiritual journey toward Nirvana. Pilgrims began their journey at Bulguksa or at the foot of Tohamsan, a holy mountain in Silla.

The main Buddha statue is a significant piece of Buddhist art. It is 3.5 meters tall and sits on a 1.34-meter lotus pedestal. The statue is realistic and likely represents the Seokgamoni (Shakyamuni) Buddha. The position of the Buddha’s hands symbolizes enlightenment. The statue has an usnisa, a symbol of wisdom. The drapery on the Buddha, such as the fan-shaped folds at the crossed legs, reflects Korean interpretations of Indian designs. Unlike other Buddhas with halos, the Seokguram Buddha creates the illusion of a halo using a granite roundel with lotus petals on the back wall of the rotunda. The pedestal has three parts: the top and bottom are carved with lotus petals, while the central part includes eight pillars.

Along the rotunda wall, three bodhisattvas, ten disciples, and two Hindu gods are carved in relief. Ten statues of bodhisattvas, saints, and followers are placed in niches above the bas-reliefs. The ten disciples were followers of Seokgamoni and are arranged five on each side of the Avalokitesvara. Their features suggest Greek influence. The two bodhisattvas are Manjusri and Samantabhadra. The two Hindu gods are Brahma and Indra.

The Four Heavenly Kings guard the corridor. Images of Vajrapanis, guardian figures, are also found on the walls of the corridor entrance and in the antechamber. Eight Guardian Deities are placed in the antechamber.

Another notable figure is the Eleven-faced Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This statue stands 2.18 meters tall and is located on the back wall of the rotunda. It is the only bas-relief figure facing forward, while others face sideways. The Avalokitesvara wears a crown, is dressed in robes and jewelry, and holds a vase containing a lotus blossom.

Reconstruction

Because the grotto was often left empty and changed many times, experts disagree on some details, like the original shape of the grotto, the buildings at Bulguksa, and the water channel that no longer exists near the temple.

Repairs and improvements happened in 1703 and 1758 during the Joseon period. However, rulers who supported Confucian beliefs limited Buddhism, and the mountain grotto was badly damaged by the early 20th century. The Government-General of Chosen tried to fix it three times but had problems with humidity and other issues.

Japan did repairs from 1913 to 1915 without studying the grotto’s structure. Workers took apart the grotto and put it back together. They used concrete to make it stable, which was the best technology then. This caused humidity and water leaks, harming the sculptures. In 1917, pipes were added to move rainwater away, but leaks continued. Another repair from 1920 to 1923 used waterproof asphalt, which made the problem worse. Moss and mold grew, and in 1927, hot steam was sprayed to clean the sculptures.

After World War II, in the 1960s, President Park Chung Hee started a major repair project. Mechanical systems helped control temperature and humidity better. However, the wooden building over the entrance is still debated by historians who think the original grotto did not have it, blocking the ocean view and airflow.

Now, the inside of the grotto can only be seen through a glass wall. This protects it from many visitors and temperature changes.

Gallery

• A photograph of the grotto taken before the restoration project led by the Government-General of Chosen in 1923.
• A close-up view of the Buddha's face at Seokguram Grotto.
• A carved relief sculpture.
• An image of the area outside the entrance to the grotto.
• A photo of the Iljumun gate at Seokguram.