Bulguksa and Seokguram at Risk... "Landslides Left Unattended for 2 Years"

Green Korea United Demands Landslide Report on Tohamsan
Landslides Occur at 24 Sites Including Near Seokguram Grotto

An environmental group has analyzed that Seokguram, a national treasure, could be damaged by landslides. Tohamsan Mountain in Gyeongju National Park, where Bulguksa Temple is located, has recently experienced landslides in several areas.

On the 13th, Green Korea United released the "Tohamsan Landslide Risk Status Report." This report analyzed landslides that occurred on Tohamsan before and after the landfall of Typhoon Hinnamnor in September 2022. It was found that landslides are currently ongoing in about 24 locations, mainly in the altitude range of 400 to 700 meters above sea level in the area.

Green Korea United pointed out, "The eastern slope of the summit is a representative site of landslide occurrence," adding, "The largest landslide swept away about 2,000 pyeong (approximately 6,600 square meters) of soil and rock."

Landslide occurred above Seokguram Grotto Photo by Yonhap News

The group also reported that two locations above the area near Seokguram have experienced landslides. In particular, soil and rocks continue to flow down the valley and slopes leading to Seokguram, and if heavy rain pours or an earthquake shakes the ground here, significant damage could occur to Seokguram. The group emphasized that under these circumstances, Seokguram is like a "time bomb."

Green Korea United stated, "There were also two landslides near the parking lot at the entrance of Seokguram," and noted, "These landslides occurred when Hinnamnor struck and have been left unattended for two years."

A landslide also occurred near the hiking trail of Tohamsan Mountain.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Seokguram is not the only national treasure affected by landslides on Tohamsan. On the western side of the Tohamsan summit ridge, near Bulguksa Temple, landslides have occurred in 10 locations. Although no damage has yet occurred within the temple grounds, Green Korea United reported that there is a possibility of damage.

The group stated, "Landslides only flow downward according to physical principles and do not spare World Heritage sites or national treasures," urging, "With the rainy season approaching, landslide prevention measures must be promptly implemented to protect cultural heritage and prevent casualties." The group also proposed prevention measures including ▲ a comprehensive safety diagnosis of Tohamsan ▲ designation of landslide-prone areas ▲ preparation of a national park landslide response manual.

Meanwhile, Gyeongju City identified a landslide northwest of Seokguram in March and has taken measures by receiving emergency repair funds from the Cultural Heritage Administration. It is reported that work to install a rockfall prevention net (Linnet) is underway to be completed within the year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.