| Bulguksa | ||||||||
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| Korean name | ||||||||
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| Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple* | |
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| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| State Party |  Republic of Korea |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, iv |
| Reference | 736 |
| Region† | Asia-Pacific |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 1995 (19th Session) |
| * Name as inscribed on World Heritage List. † Region as classified by UNESCO. |
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Bulguksa is a Buddhist temple in the North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. Hanja is the Korean name for Chinese characters. More specifically it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated The Revised Romanization of Korean is the official Korean language Romanization system in South Korea. McCune-Reischauer romanization is one of the two most widely used Korean language Romanization systems along with the Revised Romanization of Korean, which The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex As of 2008 there are a total of 878 World Heritage Sites located in 145 "State Parties" South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex This is a list of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia, Australia and the Pacific ( Australia) A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Gyeongsang is a province in eastern South Korea. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea and often referred to as Korea ( Korean: 대한민국 tɛː It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The National Treasures of Korea are a numbered set of tangible treasures artifacts sites and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. [1] In 1995, Bulguksa was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List together with the Seokguram Grotto, which lies four kilometers to the east. United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization ( UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations established on November 16 A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a site (such as a Forest, Mountain, Lake, Desert, Monument, Building, complex The Seokguram Grotto is a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa temple complex
The temple is considered as a masterpiece of the golden age of Buddhist art in the Silla kingdom. Silla (57 BC – 935 AD was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. It is currently the head temple of the 11th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism (JOKB Korean: Korean Buddhism is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by its attempt to resolve what it sees as inconsistencies in Mahayana Buddhism
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History
The temple's records state that a small temple was built on this site under King Beopheung in 528. King Beopheung (r 514-540 was the 23rd monarch of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. The Samguk Yusa records that the current temple was constructed under King Gyeongdeok in 751, begun by Prime Minister Gim Daeseong to pacify the spirits of his parents. Samguk Yusa, or Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms, is a collection of legends folktales and historical accounts relating to the Three Kingdoms of Korea ( Goguryeo King Gyeongdeok of Silla was the 35th ruler who reigned from 742 to 765 over the kingdom of Silla. Kim Daeseong (700&ndash774 was a chief minister of Silla during the reign of King Seongdeok in the Unified Silla period The building was completed in 774 by the Silla royal court, after Gim's death, and given its current name Bulguksa (Temple of the Buddha Land).
The temple was renovated during the Goryeo Dynasty and the early Joseon Dynasty. The Goryeo Dynasty ( 918 - 1392) (also spelled Koryŏ was a Sovereign state established in 918 by Taejo Wang Kon. During the Japanese invasions between 1592 and 1598, the wooden buildings were burned to the ground. Two Japanese invasions of Korea and subsequent battles on the Korean peninsula took place during the years 1592-1598 After 1604, reconstruction and expansion of Bulguksa started, followed by about 40 renovations until 1805. During the Japanese occupation of 1910-1945, the Japanese conducted a restoration, but there are no records of the work done, and known treasures disappeared during this time. Korea under Japanese rule refers to the period between 1910 and 1945 when Korea was forcibly annexed by the Japanese Empire.
After World War II and the Korean War, a partial restoration was conducted in 1966. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including The Korean War refers to a period of military conflict between North Korean and South Korean regimes with major hostilities lasting from June 25 1950 until the Upon an extensive archeological investigation, major restoration was conducted between 1969 and 1973 by the order of President Park Chung Hee, bringing Bulguksa to its current form. Park Chung-hee ( November 14, 1917 – October 26, 1979) was a former ROK Army general and the autocratic dictator of the Republic The famous stone structures are preserved from the original Silla construction.
Structure
The temple is located on the slopes of Tohamsan, in Jinheon-dong, Gyeongju. Toham Mountain, or Toham-san, is a mountain in Gyeongju City in southeastern South Korea. Gyeongju is an administrative division of South Korea and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea
The entrance to the temple, Sokgyemun, has a double-sectioned staircase and bridge (National Treasure No. 23) that leads to the inside of the temple compound. The National Treasures of Korea are a numbered set of tangible treasures artifacts sites and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic The stairway is 33 steps high, corresponding to the 33 steps to enlightenment. The lower portion, Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) is 6. 3 meters long and has 17 steps. The upper portion, Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge) is 5. 4 meters and has 16 steps. The stairway leads to Jahamun (Mauve Mist Gate).
There are two pagodas on the temple site, which is unusual. A pagoda is the general term in the English language for a tiered Tower with multiple Eaves common in China, Japan, Korea The three-story Seokgatap (Sakyamuni Pagoda) which stands at 8. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder 2 meters is a traditional Korean-style stone pagoda with simple lines and minimal detailing. Seokgatap is over 13 centuries old. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 Dabotap (Many Treasure Pagoda) is 10. The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. 4 meters tall and dedicated to the Many Treasures Buddha mentioned in the Lotus Sutra. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder The Lotus Sutra or Sutra on the White Lotus of the Sublime Dharma (Sanskrit sa सद्धर्मपुण्डरीकसूत्र Saddharma In contrast to Seokgatap, Dabotap is known for its highly ornate structure. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. Its image is reproduced on the South Korean 10 won coin. The won (ko 원 ( sign: ₩; code: KRW) is the currency of South Korea. Dabotap and Seokgatap are Korean National Treasures nos. The National Treasures of Korea are a numbered set of tangible treasures artifacts sites and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic 20 and 21, respectively.
The terrestrial and the two celestial abodes are manifested in Bulguksa: the terrestrial with a Shakyamuni Buddha Lotus Sutra, the celestial with Amitabha Buddha Avatamska Sutra. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder Amitābha ( Sanskrit: अमिताभ Amitābha (wordstem pronunciation; Chinese: 阿彌陀佛 Ēmítuó Fó; Tibetan: འོད་དཔག་མེད་ The large temple site is centred around two courts. One of the courts is centred on Daeungjeon, the hall which houses the Shakyamuni Buddha. The other is centred on Geuknakjeon, the hall of paradise where the Seven Treasure Bridge Chilbogyo is housed.
Daeungjeon (대웅전), the Hall of Great Enlightenment, is the main hall. [2] Dabotap and Seokgatap stand before this hall. The hall enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha and was built in 681 CE. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Bulgars win the war with the Byzantine Empire; the latter signs a peace treaty which [2] Behind the main hall stands Museoljeon (무설전), the Hall of No Words. [2] This hall gets its name from the belief that Buddha's teachings could not be taught by mere words alone. It is one of the oldest buildings in the complex and was probably built in 670 CE. [2] The Gwaneumjeon (Avalokitesvara's Shrine, 관음전) houses an image of the Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Perfect Compassion, and stands at the highest point of the complex. Avalokiteśvara ( Nepali: अवलोकितेश्वर, lit In the Buddhist context a bodhisattva (बोधिसत्त्व bodhisattva;; Vietnamese Bồ Tát; बोधिसत्त bodhisatta [2] The Birojeon (Vairocana Buddha Hall, 비로전), which sits below the Gwaneumjeon, houses national treasure No. Vairocana (also Vairochana or Mahāvairocana; वैरोचन Sanskrit or 毘盧遮那佛 Chinese: Dàrì Rúlái or 26 while the Geuknakjeon (Hall of Supreme Bliss, 극락전), standing near the main compound, houses the gilt-bronze buddha that is the national treasure No. 27. [2]
Official treasures at Bulguksa
National Treasures No. 20 and 21
The two famous stone pagodas, Dabotap and Seokgatap reside in the main courtyard of the Bulguksa Temple complex. The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 They are, respectively, the twentieth and twenty-first national treasures of Korea and were designated on December 20, 1962. The National Treasures of Korea are a numbered set of tangible treasures artifacts sites and buildings which are recognized by South Korea as having exceptional artistic Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
National Treasure No. 22
The Yeonhwagyo (Lotus Flower Bridge, 연화교) and Chilbogyo (Seven Treasures Bridge, 칠보교) are a pair of bridges at Bulguksa. [3] This bridge was designated as the 22nd national treasure on December 20, 1962. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The bridge lead to Anyangmun (Peace Enhancing Gate, 안양문) leading to Geuknakjeon (the Hall of the Pure Land). This pair were built at the same time as their brother bridges, National Treasure No. 23.
These pair of bridges share the 45 degree incline, arch underneath, and the combination bridge/staircase design of their brother bridges. However, one noticeable difference is that this bridge is smaller. The lower Lotus Flower Bridge has 10 steps while the upper Seven Treasures Bridge contains 8 steps. This bridge is on the west in relation to the Blue Cloud and White Cloud Bridges. The Lotus Flower Bridge is known for its delicate carvings of Lotus Flowers on each step but these have faded with the weight of many pilgrims. Today, visitors are restricted from walking on the bridge.
National Treasure No. 23
The Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge, 청운교) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge, 백운교) Bridges of Bulguksa Temple are two bridges that are a part of a stairway that leads to the temple. [3] The bridges were probably built in 750 CE during the reign of King Gyeongdeok. Events By Geography Asia Gopala is proclaimed as the first ruler of the Pala Empire. King Gyeongdeok of Silla was the 35th ruler who reigned from 742 to 765 over the kingdom of Silla. Although built separately, they are designated together as one single national treasure. They were designated as the 23rd national treasure on December 20, 1962. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
The Blue Cloud Bridge makes up the lower span of the stair while the White Cloud Bridge is the upper part. The bridges lead to the Jahamun (Golden Purple Gate, 자하문) which leads to Sakyamuni Hall. Siddhārtha Gautama ( Sanskrit; Pali: Siddhattha Gotama) was a spiritual Teacher from Ancient India and the founder There are 33 steps on the stairway, which slopes at a 45 degree angle, and each step corresponds to one of the 33 heavens of Buddhism. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices The lower Blue Cloud Bridge has seventeen steps while the upper White Cloud Bridge has sixteen. The large arch underneath the stairwell testifies to the use of arches in Silla-style bridges and the remains of a pond and once flowed underneath the bridge.
National Treasure No. 26
National Treasure No. 26 (Bulguksa geumdong birojana buljwasang), designated on December 20, 1962, is a seated gilt-bronze Vairocana Buddha statue at Bulguksa Temple. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Vairocana (also Vairochana or Mahāvairocana; वैरोचन Sanskrit or 毘盧遮那佛 Chinese: Dàrì Rúlái or
The Buddha of Enlightenment is enshrined in the Birojeon. It is 1. 77 meters in height and made from gilt-bronze. The head of the Buddha has an usnisa, a symbol of supreme wisdom. The head of the Buddha was made by fusing two shells to each other and the face is elongated and soft. The robes of the Buddha are highly detailed and the simulation of folded cloth rippling down from the shoulder to the lap is done with high skill. The hands of the Buddha are in a position, the right index finger covered by the left hand, which often is used to symbolize the Buddha of Enlightenment. The figure is estimated to be from the 9th century CE due to stylistic evidence, including the overly wide lap and the lack of tension in the depiction of the robes and face of the Buddha.
National Treasure No. 27
The seated gilt-bronze Amitabha Buddha statue of Bulguksa Temple is National Treasure No. Amitābha ( Sanskrit: अमिताभ Amitābha (wordstem pronunciation; Chinese: 阿彌陀佛 Ēmítuó Fó; Tibetan: འོད་དཔག་མེད་ 27. (Bulguksa geumdong amita yeoraejwasang) and was designated on December 20, 1962. Events 69 - Vespasian, formerly a general under Nero, enters Rome to claim the title of Emperor. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar.
The Amitabha Buddha statute is 1. 66 meters in height and enshrined in Geuknakjeon. This gilt-bronze statue was probably cast in the late eighth or early part of the ninth century and it shares the style of National Treasure No. 26. The head of the statue is made by fixing two shell-like pieces together. The face has a distinctively aquiline nose. The Buddha has broad shoulders and strong chest while the large lap gives the figure a sense of proportional harmony and stability. The style of the robe seems to be more stylized and haphazard. The position of the left hand raised at shoulder-level palm forward and the right hand is placed at the lap. The style of the Buddha seems to follow an abstract and stylized tradition rather than a representation of realism.
Treasure No. 61
This sarira pagoda (사리탑), or stupa, looks like a stone lantern. It stands 2. 1 meters tall and is located at the left side of the front garden of Birojeon. The artifact was at one point taken to Japan in 1906 but was returned in 1933. It is from the Goryeo Dynasty, but shows the influence of Silla Dynasty art. The Goryeo Dynasty ( 918 - 1392) (also spelled Koryŏ was a Sovereign state established in 918 by Taejo Wang Kon.
A sarira is a container for the relics or remains of famous priests or royalty. It is said that this sarira contained the remains of eight priests or a queen. The three main features of the piece are the foundation stone, the main body, and the ornamental top. The foundation is an octagonal stone decorated with carvings. Atop this foundation is a circular stone incised with louts motifs. The pillar supports of the main body are carved with a cloud motif while the main body is cylindrical and has four bas-reliefs of Buddha and bodhisattvas and are accompanied by flower motifs. A bas-relief (baʁəljɛf in French; French for "low relief" derived from the Italian basso rilievo) or low relief is a Sculpture The top of the pagoda has twelve sides which meet into a hexagonal shape.
Gallery
 Bulguksa before the restoration project instituted by the government of Park Chung-hee (photo taken during Japanese Occupation |
 Entrance to the temple. |
 Back view of Museoljeon. |
 Another view of Cheongungyo (Blue Cloud Bridge) and Baegungyo (White Cloud Bridge). |
 A closeup view of Dabotap or Dabo Pagoda. The stone Pagoda Dabotap, also known as pagoda of many treasures, is located in the temple of Bulguksa in Gyeongju, South Korea. |
 Seokgatap or Seokga Pagoda. Seokgatap ( Sakyamuni Pagoda is a stone Pagoda in South Korea designated as the 21st National Treasure on December 12, 1962 |
 Dabotap and Seokgatap in a view. |
 A drum in the southeast corner. |
See also
References
- ^ Historic and Scenic Sites 1; Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. The following is a List of Buddhist topics: A Abhidharma Aggañña Sutta Ahimsa Buddhist temples are an important part of the Korean landscape Tourism in Gyeongju is a major industry and defining feature of Gyeongju, South Korea. Cultural Heritage Administration.
- ^ a b c d e f Bulguk-sa Temple - Structures.
- ^ a b Bulguk-sa Temple - Treasures.
- National Treasure No.23
- National Treasure No.22
- National Treasure No.26
- National Treasure No.27
- Treasure No.61
- Life in Korea: Bulguksa.
External links
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