Journeying to the Cave Temple Seokguram Grotto
An Ancient Architectural Marvel of the Silla Buddhist Era
Jul 1, 2008
High above Gyeongju city a meandering path leads up to the summit of Mt. Tohamsan. Seokguram Grotto lies 4 km beyond Bulguksa, deep in the mountain terrain. Here, overlooking the East Sea, the astonishing architecture of Silla Buddhism waits to be explored.
Historic Architecture
In the year 751 Prime Minister Kim Daesong began Seokguram Grotto along with Bulguksa. Before the temples could be completed in approximately 774 Kim passed on. It is said that he had the two spectacular sites built to honour his parents, both from his current and his past life with the Grotto being dedicated to the latter.
The detailed interior of Seokguram Grotto is a representation of the history of Buddhist culture and art throughout Asia. The design itself stems from ancient cave temples carved in China and India. Seokguram’s architectural framework stands alone; the interior of the cave was clad with granite slabs to form the inner chambers. The granite is held together with only stone rivets. The chamber was built in a way that controlled temperature and humidity through natural ventilation. This creative design, which is still not fully understood, is unique and is not known to have ever been replicated.
A Spiritual Journey
Seokguram Grotto is seen as an embodiment of the journey to Nirvana. After the arduous expedition up the mountain the traveler is rewarded upon reaching the cavernous temple. Entering the hall representing Earth intricate carvings of kings, Bodhisattvas, and guardians of the Buddhist faith come to life along the walls of the rectangular antechamber and corridor leading toward the round rotunda. In the stone cove representing Heaven sits a resplendent 3.5 m granite Buddha draped in carved folds of fabric with legs crossed perched, on a lotus pedestal.
Preservation and Perserverance
Rediscovered around 1910, the Grotto was found to have sustained damage. On separate occasions between 1913 and 1927 repairs had been attempted under the Japanese occupational government. Without an understanding of the original architectural design these repairs caused the prevention of the mysterious natural ventilation inside the cave. Preservation of this National Treasure became a serious concern as high humidity began to change conditions within the cavern. An intensive study of the ancient architecture during the 1960s allowed for an immense refurbishment of Seokguram. This included the addition of modern equipment to control the internal conditions of the cavity. UNESCO designated Seokguram Grotto as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995.
Reaching Seokguram Grotto
Since regaining its former glory the Grotto has become a very popular tourist destination. For the adventurous visitor, Seokguram can still be reached by the hiking trail from Bulguksa. There are also several buses and tours to take travelers up Mt. Tohamsan to the parking lot located at 994 Jinhyeon-dong. Tourists can also park rental cars on the lot for 2,000 to 4,000 Won or between $2 and $4. Daily admission rates are 2,000 to 4,000 Won or $2 to $4 dependant on age and the temple is open to the public from 7 a.m. until approximately 5 p.m. For information please call (054) 746-4747.
Seokguram Grotto is one of many magnificent National Treasures throughout the Gyeongju area. Farther into the surrounding mountains more Heritage Sites and places of interest stay suspended in time. After a day of exploring Korean history, nearby Gyeongju city has all of the modern conveniences a traveler could want.
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