South Korea is set to grant Treasure status to four major Buddhist heritage items, including a rare scripture published under royal patronage in the early Joseon dynasty.
The Korea Heritage Service announced on 3 September that the Buljeongsim Dharani Sutra, the Pyeongchang Sangwonsa Seated Triad of Sakyamuni Buddha with Sixteen Arhats, the Suncheon Songgwangsa Painting of the Assembly of Fifty‑Three Buddhas, and the Bronze Bell of Magoksa Temple in Gongju will be reviewed for designation.
The Buljeongsim Dharani Sutra is particularly notable. Preserved at Seoul National University, it contains both a Classical Chinese edition printed in 1485 under Queen Dowager Insu and a vernacular Korean edition produced with movable metal type in 1455. Experts say it is unique in retaining its complete original form, with exceptional printing quality.
The Sangwonsa Triad, housed at Woljeongsa Temple’s Seongbo Museum, includes 21 statues and 34 enshrined objects. Originally clay figures from Unboksa Temple, they were remade in wood in 1711 by sculptor‑monk Hyeju and later moved to Sangwonsa, where they were refurbished under royal auspices. Scholars highlight their research value in documenting lesser‑known artisans.
The Songgwangsa painting, created in 1725 by 26 painter‑monks led by Uigyeom, depicts devotion to the Fifty‑Three Buddhas. It is considered rare for embodying this practice in visual form and is valued for its distinctive artistic style.
The Magoksa Temple bell, cast in 1654 by monk artisan Boeun, features inscriptions and donor records, as well as detailed depictions of monks in prayer. Originally made for Angoksa Temple, it was later moved to Magoksa after Angoksa’s abandonment.
The Korea Heritage Service will collect public opinion for 30 days before finalising the designations through the National Heritage Committee. If approved, the items will join the country’s official list of Treasures, underscoring their cultural and historical significance.
Word count: 348
About the Author
