Seokguram Grotto
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a magnificent stone Buddha and intricate Buddhist sculptures within a serene mountain grotto.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Seokguram Grotto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site featuring a magnificent stone Buddha and intricate Buddhist sculptures within a serene mountain grotto.
"The Buddha itself is a gorgeous example, but you will have to take a picture in your mind because no photos are allowed."
📸 No Photos Allowed Inside
Capture the Buddha's serenity in your mind; photography inside the grotto is prohibited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, including a scenic uphill path.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Serene Buddha Statue
Main Chamber
A magnificent stone Buddha, a national treasure, radiating peace and serenity. Photography is prohibited, encouraging mindful observation.
Intricate Stone Sculptures
Grotto Walls
Marvel at the detailed Buddhist sculptures adorning the grotto walls, showcasing ancient craftsmanship and spiritual narratives.
Mountain Forest Walk
Path from Parking Lot
A peaceful 10-minute stroll through a beautiful forest road, offering a refreshing prelude to the grotto's tranquility.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Seokguram
Getting There: A Scenic Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Allowed Inside
Capture the Buddha's serenity in your mind; photography inside the grotto is prohibited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, including a scenic uphill path.
🚌 Bus Transfers Needed
Take bus #11 from Gyeongju to Bulguksa, then switch to bus #12.
🚶 Hike from Bulguksa
For the energetic, a scenic 45-55 minute hike up to Seokguram is an option.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Allowed Inside
Capture the Buddha's serenity in your mind; photography inside the grotto is prohibited.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, including a scenic uphill path.
🚌 Bus Transfers Needed
Take bus #11 from Gyeongju to Bulguksa, then switch to bus #12.
🚶 Hike from Bulguksa
For the energetic, a scenic 45-55 minute hike up to Seokguram is an option.
🔔 Ring the Peace Bell
Pay 1000 Won to ring a giant bell for peace – a unique experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Seokguram Grotto for its serene Buddha statue and intricate sculptures, calling it a must-visit historical site. The peaceful forest walk to the grotto is a highlight, offering a tranquil experience. However, some find the journey involving multiple bus transfers inconvenient, and national holidays can lead to significant crowds and delays.
"Seokguram Grotto is an iconic 8th-century Buddhist hermitage and UNESCO World Heritage site located on the slopes of Mount Toham in Gyeongju, South Korea.
It is a masterpiece of Korean art and engineering from the Silla Kingdom, renowned for its perfectly proportioned granite sanctuary. The grotto houses a majestic and serene statue of the Buddha seated in a granite dome, surrounded by intricate bas-relief carvings of deities, bodhisattvas, and disciples.
Unlike natural caves, Seokguram was artificially constructed with a sophisticated ventilation system to protect its interior. It is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Buddhist sculpture in the world and represents the spiritual and artistic zenith of Korean classical culture."
- Cheefong
"You have to take a winding, somewhat dangerous, bus 12 ride (especially in the rain) from Bulguksa up the mountain.
Then you have to walk a clay trail and climb some stairs. During our visit, there was heavy machinery doing trail remediation, probably to prevent a slide.
You then enter a small building to view the Buddha in the grotto behind glass. Photos are not permitted.
I imagine that in high season, your time in the grotto would be limited. We went on a rainy October weekday. No crowds, but 5 minutes was enough. We wanted to head down to catch the bus down."
K J
"It is free. Parking for passenger cars is krw2000. You can actually walk down to bullkuksa and it is 2.2km. I bet that walk is amazing. The walk to Seokguram from the entrance os 600m. It probably takes 15min each way. I have seen people coming with baby strollers. Once you walk 600m, there are about 30 steps up to the grotto. It was one od the best buddha face, a mildest smile. A must to see. There is a huge bell you can ring for krw 1,000. Loved it."
jeeyoung kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Gyeongju's central bus station, take bus #11 to Bulguksa Temple. At Bulguksa, transfer to bus #12, which will take you closer to Seokguram Grotto. The journey involves a scenic uphill ride.
Yes, you can hike from Bulguksa Temple to Seokguram Grotto. This scenic trek typically takes about 45-55 minutes and is a rewarding experience for those who enjoy walking.
The bus journey from Gyeongju city center to Seokguram Grotto can take around an hour, including the transfer at Bulguksa Temple. Be prepared for potential delays, especially during peak times.
Yes, Uber and taxis are available options to reach Seokguram Grotto, offering a more direct and potentially faster route than public buses.
The road leading up to Seokguram Grotto can be quite winding, especially if you're driving or taking a taxi. The bus ride also follows this route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are needed to visit the Seokguram Grotto itself, and there are typically no long waiting lines to see the Buddha statue.
Seokguram Grotto is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check the official operating hours before your visit, as they can vary seasonally.
There is no entrance fee for Seokguram Grotto. However, there might be a small fee if you choose to ring the giant bell for peace.
Photography is strictly prohibited inside the main chamber of Seokguram Grotto, particularly of the Buddha statue. This is to preserve the sanctity and experience.
Basic facilities are available, including restrooms. There's also a traditional structure where you can ring a large bell for a small fee.
📸 📸 Photography
While photography is not allowed inside the grotto, you can capture beautiful shots of the surrounding mountain scenery, the path leading up, and the exterior architecture.
Photography is prohibited inside the grotto to maintain the serene and spiritual atmosphere, and to protect the ancient stone Buddha statue and sculptures from flash photography.
The path leading up to the grotto offers lovely forest views. The surrounding mountain landscape also provides excellent photo opportunities, especially during spring or autumn.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the magnificent stone Buddha statue, considered one of Korea's finest examples of Buddhist art, housed within a man-made cave.
Seokguram Grotto is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its exquisite Buddhist sculptures and its architectural brilliance, representing a peak of Silla Kingdom art.
Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour at Seokguram Grotto, including the walk up from the parking lot and time to appreciate the main chamber.
You can pay a small fee to ring a large traditional bell, which is said to bring peace. The scenic walk through the forest is also a memorable part of the visit.
From the vicinity of Seokguram Grotto, you can enjoy fantastic views of the surrounding mountains and, on clear days, potentially glimpses of the sea.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider combining your visit with Bulguksa Temple, which is more expansive and offers more for children to explore. The bus journey itself can be an adventure for younger ones, but be prepared for potential crowds and longer travel times if visiting on weekends or holidays.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Solo travelers can fully appreciate the serene ambiance of the grotto without the distractions of group tours. The opportunity to ring the peace bell adds a unique, personal touch to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistic and Spiritual Marvel of Seokguram
+1The construction of the grotto itself is a marvel of ancient engineering. Built into the side of Mount Tohamsan, it was designed to create a perfect, sacred space. The architectural design, combined with the natural setting, contributes to the profound sense of peace and contemplation that visitors experience. The grotto's scientific mysteries, related to its construction and acoustics, continue to intrigue visitors and scholars alike.
+1Visiting Seokguram offers a unique opportunity to connect with Korea's rich Buddhist heritage. While photography is restricted inside, the experience of quietly observing the Buddha and the intricate carvings is deeply moving. The journey to the grotto, whether by a scenic forest walk or a bus ride, adds to the overall pilgrimage-like feel of the visit.
Navigating Your Way to Seokguram
Upon arriving at Bulguksa Temple, you'll need to catch bus number 12, which heads further up Mount Tohamsan towards Seokguram. This second bus ride is often described as scenic, winding its way up the mountain. The entire journey from Gyeongju city center can take approximately an hour, and it's advisable to factor in potential waiting times for buses, especially during busy periods.
For those seeking a more active approach, a hike from Bulguksa Temple to Seokguram is a popular alternative. This trail is approximately 2.2 km and takes about 45-55 minutes, offering beautiful forest views along the way. Some visitors even opt to hike down from Seokguram to Bulguksa, enjoying the downhill path and a refreshing stop at a mineral spring.
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