Beopjusa Temple, located on Songnisan Mountain, was built in 553 CE (14th year of King Jinheung) by a Buddhist monk named Uisin Josa from the Silla Dynasty. As the cradle of the Maitreya faith, Beopjusa Temple is home to several treasures, including the Twin Lion Stone Lantern (created during the Unified Silla period), the Seokryeonji (stone basin), and the Palsangjeon Wooden Pagoda (the only remaining five-story wooden pagoda in Korea). In particular, Boeun Beopjusa Daeungbojeon Hall is considered one of the three greatest Buddhist sanctums in Korea alongside Geungnakjeon Hall at Muryangsa Temple in Buyeo and Gakhwangjeojn Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye.

The Twin Lion Stone Lantern
This Stone Lantern can be found between Daeungjeon Hall and Palsangjeon Wooden Pagoda at Beopjusa Temple, and it is the oldest stone sculpture in Korea featuring the lion as its motif. Instead of the octagonal pillar, which was the dominant style during the Unified Silla period, this Stone Lantern at Beopjusa Temple has a very unique shape with two lions functioning as pillars. Together with the Stone Lantern of the Four Guardian Kings (treasure) at Beopjusa Temple in Boeun, this Twin Lion Stone Lantern is one of the best examples of stone lanterns made during the Unified Silla period.

Seokryeonji at Beopjusa Temple is a small basin made of stone. Records show that lotus flowers were placed inside the basin. In Buddhism, the lotus symbolizes a world of paradise, and here, at Beopjusa Temple, you will see a variety of figures and symbols inspired by the lotus flower. The pillars erected on the upper railing of the entrance are similar to the pillars found on the stone railings carved into the Dabotap Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple, which gives the stone basin a classic look.

Beopjusa Temple’s Palsangjeon Wooden Pagoda is the only remaining five-story wooden pagoda in Korea. Palsangjeon gets its name from the fact that it features paintings of eight scenes from Buddha’s life - one scene each on each wall.

The three Buddhas enshrined inside Daeungbojeon Hall of Beopjusa Temple in Boeun were remade by Byeokam after Beopjusa Temple was burnt down during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE. In the center is the Vairocana (a Dharmakaya), to the left is the Rocana (a Sambhogagakaya), and to the right is the Sakyamuni (a Nirmanakaya).

Geuknakjeon at Muryangsa Temple is a rare two-story Buddhist pagoda in Korea, and it serves as the central structure of the Temple. In particular, Geuknsakjeon Pagoda enshrines the three statues of the Amitabha Buddha Triad, which makes it an excellent structure with important value as an example of Buddhist architecture showing the stylistic characteristics popular during the mid-Joseon Dynasty period.

Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye is very majestic and features some excellent construction techniques that also make it an extremely valuable architectural property. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was the lead temple of the Seonjong Daebonsan (禪宗大本山) school of Buddhism in Korea. It was completely burned down during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE, but fortunately, the Temple was rebuilt during the reign of King Injo. It is said that the name “Gakhwangjeon” and signboard were given by King Sukjong himself.

Seonamsa Temple, which is believed to have been built during the Unified Silla period, was rebuilt multiple times over the course of its history, including by Daegakguksa Uicheon during the Goryeo Dynasty period. Seonamsa Temple, known for its blend of natural colors and beautiful surrounding landscape, is home to Seungseongyo Bridge, which, from some angles, looks like a massive rainbow. Seonamsa also has several other treasures, including Daejungjeon Hall known for its splendid decorations, the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas made in the Silla style, and the only remaining Buddhist painting of the Thirty Three Patriarchs in Korea.

Seungseongyo Bridge at Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon
Once you pass the Stupa at Seonamsa Temple and enter the Temple itself, you have to cross a small stream. This Bridge was built when Seonamsa Temple, which had been destroyed by fire after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 CE, was rebuilt. According to legend, in 1698 CE (24th year of King Sukjong), Buddhist monk Hoam Daesa was about to take his own life by jumping off a cliff when his prayers to meet the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara went unanswered. But then, a woman suddenly appeared and saved his life. Upon realizing this woman was the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, Hoam Daesa built Wontongjeon Hall as well as Seungseongyo Bridge near the Temple’s front gate.

Daeungjeon Hall at Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon
Daeungjeon Hall at Seonamsa Temple was destroyed by a fire during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1597 CE, but was rebuilt in 1660 CE (1st year of King Hyeonjong). The Hall was burned down again in 1766 CE (42th year of King Yeongjo) and rebuilt in 1824 CE (24th year of King Sunjo) to its current iteration. Daeungjeon Hall, which enshrines the Sakyamuni Buddha, is the central hall of Seonamsa Temple. It follows the typical Dapo-type design, yet it also retains aspects from the late Joseon Dynasty period in terms of the more glamorous architectural style and decorations, which makes it important both academically and historically.

Three-story Stone Pagodas in East and West of Seonamsa Temple in Suncheon When you enter the courtyard after passing Seungseongyo Bridge inside Seonamsa Temple, you will find a pair of Three-story Stone Pagodas standing off to either side of Daeungjeon Hall. Each Stone Pagoda has three stories built on top of a two-tiered foundation. These two Pagodas have solid and elegant proportions from top to bottom, and they retain the typical style used for stone pagodas from the Silla period.

Buddhist painting of the Thirty Three Patriarchs
Based on the “Jodangjip (祖堂集),” this painting depicts the 33 patriarchs in Buddhism from Mahakasyapa to Dajian Huineng of China in eleven panels. It is the only Buddhist painting of the Thirty Three Patriarchs left in Korea. Although the painting originally had eleven panels, only seven panels remain today. Nevertheless, the Buddhist painting of the Thirty Three Patriarchs at Seonamsa Temple is a rare artifact that showcases the iconography and the elegant brush strokes of Buddhist paintings.

Songgwangsa Temple, which is one of the “three jewels temples” in Korea thanks to its remarkable achievement of producing 16 national preceptors, was initially built during the late Silla Dynasty period. Then, during the Goryeo Dynasty, the Temple became much bigger as it became the center for scholarly learning of the Jeonghyegyeolsa movement led by Bojoguksa Jinul to reform the Buddhist world. The Temple is home to a number of cultural properties and national treasures, including Guksajeon Shrine (enshrines the 16 national preceptors from Songgwangsa Temple), the Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra (depicts sermons from the Hwaeomgyeong), and the Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad. Along with Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan and Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon, Songgwangsa is considered one of the three most important Buddhist temples in Korea.

Guksajeon Shrine at Songgwangsa Temple was built to commemorate the spirits of 16 great monks who served their country with distinction. In terms of architectural structure, the building, which was built in the early Joseon Dynasty style, is presumed to have been built in the same period as Hasadang Dormitory (treasure) also at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon. Its modest style and relatively compact size make Guksajeon an important example of the standard Jusimpo architectural style.

Illustration of the Avatamsaka Sutra at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon
This painting depicts sermons from the seven locations and nine assemblies described in the Hwaeomgyeong (Avatamsaka Sutra). The painting wields significant historical value as it offers clear and accurate illustrations of the sermons. Its well-arranged and structured composition, the use of red, green, and gold colors on a reddish-brown background, and the Gobun method to decorate the wreath on the Rocana Buddha in each scene are clear examples of Buddhist paintings from the 18th century, which showcased scenes that felt brighter and more glamorous.

Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon
A Buddhist statue made smaller than a typical statue using wood, stone, or iron to enshrine the image of Buddha is called a “Bulgam” (portable shrine). A Bulgam can serve as an important resource in examining not only the style of the Buddha enshrined in it, but also the architectural style of the time. Although this Portable Shrine of Wooden Buddha Triad is very small, the details are accurate and sophisticated, which is evidence of some excellent sculpting skills. It is indeed a very rare example of Bulgam artifacts that remain in Korea.

It is said that Bongjeongsa Temple located on Cheondeungsan Mountain was founded in 672 CE (12th year of King Munmu) by Neungin Daesa, who was a disciple of Uisang Daesa. Bongjeong (鳳停), in other words, the “residence of the phoenix,” is surrounded by trees and mountain ranges, giving the whole Temple a cozy feel. Bongjeongsa Temple is home to Geungnakjeon Hall (national treasure), which is the oldest wooden structure in Korea. The Temple’s Daeungjeon Hall and Geungnakjeon Hall each have a dedicated courtyard, and represent the Buddha and Maitreya faith, respectively.

Geuknakjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong
Geuknakjeon Hall was originally named Daejangjeon Hall, but was later renamed. When the Hall was repaired in 1972, archaeologists discovered records of a previous roof repair done in 1363 CE (12th year of King Gongmin of Goryeo). Given that most wooden buildings undergo repairs 100 to 150 years into their lives, experts believe that Geuknakjeon Hall was built sometime in the early 1200s, which would make it the oldest wooden structure in Korea.

Tongdosa Temple, founded in 646 CE by Jajang Yulsa (Buddhist monk from the Silla period), is a Buddhist temple that enshrined the genuine sarira of Buddha Sakyamuni. Thus, Tongdosa Temple has a set of stairs called the Ordination Platform, which enshrines the genuine sarira of Buddha, behind its Daeungjeon Hall instead of a statue of the Buddha enshrined inside. Aside from its Daeungjeon Hall and Ordination Platform, two of the Temple’s most important structures, Tongdosa has other beautiful treasures such as its Gilt-bronze Celestial Chart (depicts star constellations with pearls), and the impressive Mural Paintings in Yeongsanjeon Hall.

Daeungjeon Hall and the Ordination Platform at Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan Tongdosa Temple’s Daeungjeon Hall, which is a great example of the architectural style during the mid-Joseon Dynasty period, and the Ordination Platform, which stores the genuine sarira of Buddha, are important cultural assets in terms of their architectural structures, architectural history, and historical significance. According to history, the name “Tongdo” was given to the Temple so that it could help people learn the meaning and true significance of enlightenment, and ultimately lead them to nirvana.

On the front of the Gilt-bronze Celestial Chart at Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan, the constellations all the way from the North Pole to the equator are arranged in a circle around the North Pole. The Gilt-bronze Celestial Chart helps the user understand the movement of constellations in the sky, and each of the 28 constellations can be traced by hand, meaning the user could point the Chart to the sky and look for the matching constellations. This Celestial Chart would have helped find or learn about constellations by shining a dim light on the pearl inserts arranged in a way that matched the real constellations. Considering its portability and convenient user instructions, the Gilt-bronze Celestial Chart can be considered an artifact used to make scientific observations easier.

Yeongsanjeon Hall is the central building of Harojeon Hall at Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. It faces south and has Geukakjeon and Yaksajeon Halls to either side. Its walls and ceiling have unique configurations as the building was designed to house a Buddhist altar and murals. The furnishings at the top and the wooden brackets are great examples of a Buddhist hall built during the early 18th century period. Overall, it holds great value both academically and historically in the field of Buddhist architecture and paintings in Korea.

Buseoksa Temple was founded in 676 CE by Uisang Daesa of Silla. The Temple itself was built around the Muryangsujeon, a sacred place for the Mita faith of Buddhism. Buseoksa Temple, one of the “10 temples of the Hwaeom Order” established by Uisang Daesa, has led the Hwaeom Order of Korean Buddhism since ancient times, and remains an important temple to this day with the disciples of Uisang Daesa spreading his wisdom across the world. Buseoksa Temple has Muryangsujeon Hall, which is the second oldest remaining wooden building in Korea after Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong. The Clay Seated Buddha at Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju, which is enshrined on the side of the sanctum rather than the center of the room, is the largest and oldest among Buddha statues made with clay in Korea. The Stone Lantern in front of Muryangsujeon Hall at Buseoksa Temple, which is a symbol of the light and glory of Buddha, also stands out thanks to its beautiful proportions and sophisticated craftsmanship.

Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple is the central building of Buseoksa Temple, and it enshrines the Amitabha Buddha, symbolizing the Sukhavati (Pure Land of Amitabha). Behind Muryangsujeon Hall is a stone engraved with the word “Buseok.” The legend behind this stone appears in the Songgoseungjeon. Among the remaining wooden buildings in Korea, Muryangsujeon is one of the oldest. It is the second oldest, just behind Geungnakjeon Hall (National Treasure) of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, which makes it an extremely important resource in researching ancient temple architecture.

Clay Seated Buddha at Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju
This is a clay Buddha statue enshrined in Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple. A clay Buddha statue has a wooden skeleton, which is then fleshed out with clay. This Buddha statue is an invaluable piece of cultural heritage as it is the largest and oldest among the clay statues of Buddha in Korea. The halo, symbolizing the light emitted from the body of the Buddha, was made of wood at the back of the statue. Flame patterns were also added to the edges of the halo. The halos behind the head and body of Buddha were created in two partially overlapping circular shapes with intricate patterns carved inside. There are multiple traces of smaller Buddha decorations that used to hang from the halo as well.

Stone Lantern in front of Muryangsujeon Hall at Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju A stone lantern from the Unified Silla period that sits in front of Muryangsujeon Hall. It is also called Gwangmyeongdeung as it symbolizes the light of Buddha. Similar stone lanterns are often found in front of important structures such as Daeungjeon Halls or pagodas. The main chamber that holds the fire is supported by a three-tiered pedestal at the bottom and covered by a roof stone with finial decorations at the top.

Haeinsa Temple, located to the southwest of Gayasan Mountain, which is renowned for its magnificent scenery, was built in 802 CE (3rd year of King Aejang) by Suneung Daesa and Yijeong Daesa, both of whom were disciples of Uisang Daesa of Silla. In the early Joseon Dynasty period, when the Tripitaka Koreana was moved and enshrined in Haeinsa, the Temple became a “Beopbo” temple that enshrines the teachings of the Buddha. Haeinsa Temple has countless invaluable heritage resources in its collection, including UNESCO World Heritage relics (the Hapcheon Haeinsa Tripitaka Koreana, which is the oldest and most complete among the Tripitakas that remain today, and the Janggyeong Panjeon, which is the world's only building dedicated to storing Tripitaka woodblocks).

Tripitaka Koreana in Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon
The Tripitaka Koreana features the three main categories of Buddhist teachings: the Sutra Pitaka, the Vinaya Pitaka, and the Abhidhamma Pitaka. In other words, it is a collection of Buddhist scriptures. The identifier “Koreana” was added to Tripitaka Koreana as it was carved during the Goryeo Dynasty (Korea comes from the word Goryeo) period, and it is also called the “Eighty-Thousand Tripiṭaka” as it features more than 80,000 woodblocks and 84,000 Buddhist texts, representing the 84,000 passions in Buddhism.

Meanwhile, built sometime during the Goryeo Dynasty, Janggyeong Panjeon at Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon is the oldest building in Haeinsa Temple that houses the 80,000 woodblocks belonging to the Tripitaka Koreana. Since Haeinsa Temple was located deep in the mountains, Janggyeong Panjeon managed to survive the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592 unscathed and remain fully intact in its original state. Built in the 15th century, Janggyeong Panjeon is the only building in the world dedicated to the storage of a collection of Tripitaka.