• Colonial Korea,  Gyeongju

    Colonial Korea – Seokguram Hermitage

    Hermitage History Seokguram Hermitage on Mt. Tohamsan in eastern Gyeongju houses the most famous statue in all of Korea. In English, Seokguram Hermitage means “Stone Cave Hermitage.” Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1995 alongside Bulguksa Temple, it’s also National Treasure #24. Construction on Seokguram Grotto first started in 751 A.D. by Kim Daeseong (700-774 A.D.), who was the chief minister of Silla. The grotto was completed in 774 A.D. by the Silla court shortly after Kim’s death. According to the “Samguk Yusa,” or “Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms” in English, neighbouring Bulguksa Temple and the Seokguram Grotto were built to honor Kim Daeseong’s parents. Seokguram Grotto was…

  • Gyeongju

    Seokguram Hermitage – 석굴암 (Gyeongju)

    Hermitage History Seokguram Hermitage on Mt. Tohamsan in Gyeongju houses the most famous statue in all of Korea. In English, Seokguram Hermitage means “Stone Cave Hermitage.” Not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site as of 1995 alongside Bulguksa Temple, it’s also National Treasure #24. The artificial cave at Seokguram Hermitage was first constructed by Kim Daeseong in 751 A.D. However, it wasn’t completed until after his death in 774 A.D. It’s believed, at least according to the Samguk Yusa (“Legends of the Three Kingdoms,” in English), that Bulguksa Temple at the base of Mt. Tohamsan was built for his parents in his current life and that Seokguram Hermitage…