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Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

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Republic of Korea
Date of Inscription: 1995
Criteria: (i)(iv)
N35 46 60 E129 20 60
Ref: 736

Brief Description

Established in the 8th century on the slopes of Mount T'oham, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of the Buddha looking at the sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, all realistically and delicately sculpted in high and low relief, it is considered a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. The Temple of Bulguksa (built in 774) and the Seokguram Grotto form a religious architectural complex of exceptional significance.

Statement of Significance

The Committee decided to inscribe this site on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (i) and (iv) as a masterpiece of Far Eastern Buddhist art.  The complex that it forms with Pulguksa Temple is an outstanding example of the religious architecture of the region and of the material expression of Buddhist belief.

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