Tongil Taejong (Grand Bell for Unification) Pavilion is at the start of the trail down to Seokguram Grotto. The large bells can be seen throughout Korea. They are rung by swinging a large log hanging from two chains.

The misty fog added to the beauty of the hike down to Seokguram Grotto.

Seokguram Grotto is totally underground. There is a very large Buddha in the center with a dome-like structure over it. The structure was made of stone and then covered by earth similar to the burial mounds of the kings.

You are not allowed to take photos inside of any of the temples in Korea.

Photos: Korea Cutural Heritage Administration

Seokguram Grotto
Established on the slopes of Mount T'oham in the 8th century, the Seokguram Grotto contains a monumental statue of Buddha looking at the sea in the bhumisparsha mudra position. With the surrounding portrayals of gods, Bodhisattvas and disciples, realistically and delicately sculpted in haut relief and bas relief, it makes up a masterpiece of Buddhist art in the Far East. The Buddha in Seokguram Grotto is a very delicate one. Three meters high and very white. You can only see it from a distance (through glass). No photos are allowed.

The nearby Bulguksa Temple is the most famous Buddhist temple in Korea and the home to a number of important relics from the Silla period, including most obviously the two stone pagodas Tabot'ap and Sokkat'ap. It also dates from the 8th century, but has been rebuilt on a number of occasions.