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UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
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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 |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 석굴암 |
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Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Seokguram |
McCune–Reischauer | Sŏkkuram |
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 Sea of Japan 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]