How to get to Seokguram Grotto

Address: 873-243 Bulguk-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (Near the summit of Mt. Tohamsan)
Key Context: Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple are both UNESCO World Heritage sites located on Mt. Tohamsan. Travelers almost always visit both on the same trip.

From Singyeongju KTX/SRT Station: Take Bus No. 700 (approx. 45–50 mins).
From Gyeongju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal: Take Bus No. 10 or 11 (approx. 30–40 mins).

By Bus No. 12 (Recommended)
- Travel Time: ~15–20 minutes winding up the mountain road.
- Frequency: Operates roughly once per hour. Be sure to check the departure schedule as soon as you arrive at the bus stop!
By Hiking Trail (Tohamsan Trail)

Follow the trail starting behind the Bulguksa parking lot.
Distance: ~3.2 km (approx. 50–60 minutes of a scenic, moderate uphill walk).

Admission Fee: FREE (The national heritage entrance fee was abolished in May 2023).
Opening Hours:
- 09:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:30 PM; times may shift slightly depending on the season).
Parking Fee:

~2,000 KRW for small vehicles / ~4,000 KRW for large vehicles (Cash & Card accepted).

Pair It with Bulguksa Temple: Tour Bulguksa in the morning, then either catch Bus No. 12 or hike up the trail to Seokguram for a complete UNESCO day trip.
Photograph the Bus Schedule: Because Bus No. 12 runs hourly, snap a photo of the bus timetable when you arrive at Seokguram so you don't miss the ride back down.
Glass Barrier & No Photography: To preserve the 8th-century granite Buddha, visitors view the statue through a protective glass wall inside the pavilion. Photography inside the grotto is strictly prohibited.
Scenic Views: The plaza right outside the entrance gate (Iljuman) offers breathtaking panoramic views stretching toward the East Sea—especially beautiful during sunrise, spring, and autumn.

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