SOUTH KOREA - Gyeongju -

Bulguksa temple -

Seokguram Grotto

The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex. It lies four kilometers east of the temple on Mt. Tohamsana. The grotto overlooks the East Sea and rests 750 meters above sea level. In 1995, Seokguram was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Bulguksa Temple. It exemplifies some of the best Buddhist sculptures in the world. It is said to have been built by Kim Daeseong around 750 during the cultural peak of Unified Silla.
It is now 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.