The country of South Korea interests a significant number of international travelers in the world. The culture, food and tourist attractions of the nation entice many of the people to visit the place for a holiday. The Buddhist sculptures which are found in the country generate a lot of interest among the visitors. One of the Buddhist sculptures in Korea that you could pay a visit to is located in Seokguram Grotto. The Seokguram Grotto is actually a part of the Bulguska temple complex found in South Korea.
Location
The Bulguska Temple is situated on Mount Tohamsan, in the South Korean city of Gyeongju. The Seokguram Grotto is located at a distance of 4 kilometers from the temple. From the Grotto you would be able to get a spectacular view of the Sea of Japan. Various modes of transport are available for the travelers interested in visiting the Grotto.
Popularity of Seokguram Grotto
The popularity of the Grotto has only increased over the years. It was given the status of National Treasure of Korea in the year 1962, becoming the 24th one to be so designated. In the year 1995 it got listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world. The Bulguska Temple is also a part of the heritage site list made by UNESCO.
History and construction
Gim Daeseong is believed to have constructed the Seokguram Grotto, originally known as Seokbulsa or the Stone Buddha Temple. The exact date when the construction of the temple began is not known. But the work over the temple is believed to have started either in the year 742 or 751.
The Silla Court finished the construction work in the year 774. By that time the initial builder of the Grotto, Gim Daeseong, had expired.
The Buddhist sculpture
The Buddhist sculpture found within Seokguram never fails to impress the visitors. The sculpture stands at a height of 3.5 meters and is placed over a lotus pedestal of height 1.34 meters. The realistic Buddhist sculpture is one of the major attractions of not only the Grotto, but also of the entire Bulguska Temple Complex. The sculpture is based on Seokgamoni Buddha.
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Features of the sculpture
The sculpture shows Buddha in the enlightened stage of life. His hands are positioned to reflect the enlightenment that he obtained when he meditated under the Bodhi tree. The drapery that adorns the sculpture is also a fine example of Korean interpretation of the Indian Buddhist sculptures. The halo made up of granite roundel is also one of the impressive features of the Buddhist sculpture. You are bound to marvel at the architecture of the Seokguram Grotto and the sculpture of Buddha placed within the Grotto.
Seokguram Grotto is one of the must visit places in South Korea for those who are interested in Buddhist sculptures.
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