Photo : Centre Culturel Coréen
Immersive exhibition "Seokguram, an infinite world"
Built in the 8th century, the Seokguram Grotto continues to testify to the richness of Korean heritage today. This immersive exhibition was designed to offer the public in France a sensory discovery of this iconic site. It also allows those who are already familiar with Seokguram to rediscover its atmosphere and revive the memory of it.
Centre Culturel Coréen (Paris 8th)
About
Thanks to a hyper-realistic reconstruction, the experience first gives the impression of truly entering the grotto. The tour allows visitors to observe in succession the statues of the eight classes of protective deities, the four heavenly kings, and the Vajrapani guardians, before unveiling the main Buddha. This faithful representation then gradually gives way to a digital creation: the halo and lotus motifs adorning the vault light up, while lotus flowers appear around the Buddha to form a representation of the Seokguram mandala. Between reconstruction and digital creation, the video thus offers a new look at the site, inviting visitors to discover it one day in Korea or to remember a past visit.
In addition to the video, the exhibition offers an interactive device entitled Wish Lantern: a wish sent with all your heart. Visitors are invited to create their own virtual lantern, write a wish on it, and then see it light up in real time on the digital wall of the exhibition space, as an extension of the final sequence of the main video.
Conceived on the occasion of the 140th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and France, this participatory installation extends the experience by inviting the public to take part directly.
This immersive experience echoes the exhibition dedicated to Seokguram, also presented at the Korean Cultural Center. Through works, objects, and digital devices, it allows for a deeper discovery of the site, its history, and the cultural heritage of Silla.
Our take on this event
Forget your standard gallery stroll and step directly into a sacred Korean grotto through this mesmerizing high-tech installation. It is a brilliant blend of ancient spirituality and modern digital artistry, capped off by the chance to cast your own illuminated wish onto the walls.
Experience the wonders of Korean heritage through the immersive exhibition Seokguram, an Infinite World, hosted at the Centre Culturel Coréen. From November 23, 2026, to March 13, 2027, visitors are invited to step inside a hyper-realistic recreation of the historic grotto. The journey reveals protective deities and the central Buddha, followed by a mesmerizing digital display of lotus flowers and mandalas. Marking 140 years of diplomatic ties between Korea and France, this unique cultural encounter is completely free of charge and open to the public, offering a serene escape into the history of the Silla period.
The Centre Culturel Coréen presents a digital journey into the heart of Seokguram. Through a sophisticated video installation, you will explore the grotto's intricate architecture, encountering the eight classes of protective deities, the four celestial kings, and the Vajrapani guardians. The experience transcends simple historical reenactment as the vault's patterns and lotus motifs illuminate, surrounding the central Buddha in a vibrant, artistic representation of the Seokguram mandala.
Beyond the primary video, the exhibition invites you to engage with the Wishing Lantern interactive display. You have the opportunity to craft a virtual lantern, write your personal wish, and watch it light up in real time on the exhibition's digital wall. This participatory element complements the additional exhibition held at the center, which uses artifacts and diverse media to provide a deeper understanding of the Silla dynasty's cultural legacy.
The installation runs from November 23, 2026, to March 13, 2027. Access is free and open to all, making it a perfect destination for those interested in Asian history or anyone seeking a contemplative digital experience. Whether you have visited the physical site in Korea or are discovering it for the first time, this exhibit offers a profound perspective on a timeless cultural treasure.
