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Gunwi Grotto Hermitage - 군위삼존석굴 (軍威三尊石窟) (6th to 8th centuries)

The Gunwi Grotto Hermitage, also known as the Second Seokguram Grotto, is an artificial cave cut into the rockface twenty meters above a small river. Containing three masterfully carved Buddha figures, this tiny cave is among Korea's oldest examples of Buddhist art, carved sometime between the 6th and 8th centuries. It is easy to see how the Gunwi Grotto could have served as inspiration for the more famous and magnificent Seokguram Grotto in Gyeongju, which was built at least a century later.

The inspiration for the design comes from India, where pilgrims carved Buddha figures from the living rock. Even today, many such grottos can still be found in India and western China. The Gunwi Grotto is extremely well preserved, probably because it is so hard to reach. Nowadays a modern marble staircase leads right up to the cave, but only monks are allowed to use it. Technically, the site is located in Gunwi district outside of Daegu, but it is convenient to visit from Daegu.

Address: 경북 군위군 부계면 남산리 산15.

(Designated National Treasure #109).