Seokguram Grotto

Seok-Hong, Han · KOGL Type 1

A granite Buddha in a man-made cave on a mountain top, facing straight out to the East Sea.

In the 8th century Silla masons cut granite blocks, assembled them into a domed chamber on Mount Toham, and set inside it a Buddha three and a half metres tall. It faces east, and on the winter solstice the first light off the sea once struck it between the eyes. The jointing and natural ventilation were so refined that modern restoration upset the humidity balance and a glass screen had to be installed. You see the Buddha through that glass — still enough to register the astonishing calm of its face.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Seokguram Grotto?

April–May and October–November

How much does it cost to visit Seokguram Grotto?

Free (the cultural heritage fee was abolished in May 2023); parking charged separately

How long do you need at Seokguram Grotto?

1.5 hours

What are the opening hours of Seokguram Grotto?

09:00–17:30

Did you know

Completed around 774, at the same time as Bulguksa.
The main Buddha is 3.5m tall, carved from granite.
Inscribed by UNESCO in 1995.
It is now separated by glass to control humidity.

Travel tips

A 3 km trail climbs from Bulguksa in about an hour.
Photography is not permitted inside the grotto.
Sunrise here is famous, but gate hours vary — check first.

Source: https://www.khan.co.kr/article/202305011106001

Updated: 2026-08-04