When was the seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple built?
8th century
Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount Toham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position.
Who protects the entrance to the Seokguram Grotto?
The Four Heavenly Kings guard the corridor. There are also images of Vajrapanis, which are guardian figures and they are on the walls of the entrance to the corridor, in the antechamber. Eight Guardian Deities adorn the antechamber.
How do I get to Seokguram Grotto?
To visit the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, you can travel via bus from the Gyeongju Station or the Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal. You can ride Bus 10 or 11. This will take you to the Bulguksa Temple. Once you get to Bulguksa Temple, you can ride Bus 12 as it will take you to the Seokguram Grotto.
Why is the Bulguksa Temple important?
Bulguksa Temple is a representative relic of Buddhist culture from the Silla kingdom. The temple was built during the 15th year of King Beopheung’s reign (514-540) to wish for peace and prosperity for all. It was later rebuilt in 751 by Kim Dae-seong.
What was Bulguksa made of?
gilt-bronze
It is 1.77 meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft.
How many treasures have been registered for Unesco’s Memory of the World from Korea?
As of 2020, a total of 50 South Korean heritage items are listed either as World Heritage Sites or Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, or included in the UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
How do I get to Gyeongju National Park?
Get off at Tong-Iljeon Memorial. The bus ride should take 30 minutes and cost 1700 won. To return to Gyeongju, just take the same bus in the opposite direction. From the parking follow the signs to the entrance of the park, this will be around a 15 minute walk.
Who built Bulguksa?
Kim Daeseong
The Samguk Yusa records that the current temple was constructed under King Gyeongdeok in 751, begun by chief minister Kim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Kim’s death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land).