01 02 Gyeongju Exploration Map

Gyeongju Exploration Map

Yangdong Clan Village

Geumnyeongchong Tomb

Daereungwon Tumuli Park

Donggung and Wolji Pond

국립경주박물관

Bulguksa Temple

Gyeongju National Museum Cheomseongdae

Singyeongju Seokguram Grotto KTX Train Station

03 04 Gyeongju National Museum

site of Hwangnyongsa Temple (formerly the state temple of Silla). To the south, the museum Gyeongju National Museum faces Namsan Mountain, home to countless masterpieces of Buddhist art. Encircled by cultural treasures, the museum acts as both the storehouse and the centerpiece for these enduring and precious historical landmarks. Founded in 1945, Gyeongju National Museum is located right in the midst of UNESCO Thus, the museum’s existence must be attributed to the people of the past, particularly the Heritage Sites such as Wolseong, Donggung Palace, and Wolji Pond (all parts of the royal people of Silla, who realized their thoughts and ideals in art and crafted this astounding palace site of Silla), Daereungwon (a large cluster of royal burial mounds), and the former capital of culture.

05 06 01. 성덕대왕신종 02. 금관

Divine Bell of Gold Crown King Seongdeok

Unified Silla, 771 CE Silla, 6th Century CE

H 365.8cm / Wt 18.9t H 32.5cm / Wt 1,262,6g National Treasure No.29 National Treasure No.188

This bell has been well known as the Emile Bell. The bell is associated with a legend that a Silla became an ancient state under the Maripgan rules of the mid-fourth century. At the child was thrown into the bell when it was cast and hence make a sound that resemble a time, many wooden chamber tombs covered by stone and earthen mounds containing gold child's calling for his or her mother. artifacts were constructed in the center of Gyeongju as well as the surrounding areas. The However, the legend of the bell appears to have been a story that was concocted after Maripgan (King) and his family wore various gold, silver, and gilt-bronze objects as adornment numerous obstacles were met in manufacturing such a magnificent bell. and used gold and silver bowls. The gold crown is representative of the Silla gold culture but Inscriptions record that King Gyeong-Deok intended to commemorate his father, King only six gold crowns that have been discovered thus far appear to have been manufactured Seongdeok, with a large bell made of 7200kg of copper, but was not able to fulfill his intent in one particular century. Judging by the elaborate and splendid design, this gold crown is before his own death. from common to the latter years of the silla period. Silla saw gold as the symbol of power and King Hyegong, King Gyeondeok's son, set about materializing his father's wish and completed authority of its leaders. the bell in 771 CE, after seven years of his enthronement. Of all the extant Korean bells, the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok is considered the most remarkable; its beautiful form and patterns as well as its sounds place the bell among the most well-made bells in the world.

07 08 03. 장식보검 04. 얼굴무늬 수막새

Ornamental Roof-end Tile Dagger Sheath with Human Face Design

Tomb No. 14 in Gyerim-ro, Yeongmyosa Temple site, Gyeongju Silla, 6th Century CE Gyeongju Silla,

L 36.0cm L 11.5cm Treasure No.635 Treasure No.2010

We know from the artifacts excavated from Gyeongju that Silla had contacted with distant The design on the roof-end tile features a face with plump lips, an upwardly turning mouth, Central Asia and countries farther to the west. This iron dagger with a golden sheath low cheeks, and slightly protruding eyes that make up for an innocent smile. The face on the excavated from Tomb No.14 at Gyerim-ro in Gyeongju bears a striking similarity to the one roof-end tile is believed to have been made to repel evil spirits. excavated from Borovoe in Kazakhstan. From this point of view, it is thought to have been This roof-end tile was first excavated from Yeongmyosa Temple site during the Japanese made on the Black Sea coast and in Central Asia. Colonial Period, and a Japanese man named Danaka Toshinobu kept it for many years until he People also came to Silla, not just cultural artifacts. According to ninth-century CE Islamic donated it to the Gyeongju National Museum in October 1972. records, there were Muslims who ultimately settled in Silla. What is especially noteworthy is The wide rim along its edge, the high-temperature firing technique, and the full volume of that the stone statues of humans at Gwaereung and the Tomb of King Heungdeok depict the face have led experts to estimate its time of origin as the Three Kingdoms period. people with facial features that seem to mark them as coming from outside of the Korean peninsula.

09 10 05. 토우장식 긴목 항아리 06. 금동약사여래입상

Long-necked Jar Bhaisajyaguru with Clay Figurines Buddha

Section of the Tomb of Baengnyulsa Temple, King Michu, Gyeongju Silla, Gyeongju Unified Silla, 5th Century CE Latter Half of the 8th Century CE

H 34.0cm H 179.0cm National Treasure No.195 National Treasure No.28

This long-necked jar is the most representative piece of Silla pottery with figurine attachments. After unification, Silla merged the cultures of Goguryeo and Baekje and absorbed the Buddha Three of the figurines, representing a duck and a snake biting into the back legs of a frog, statue style of the Tang Dynasty, and soon constructed bronze Buddha statues which were the were placed around the neck and the shoulder of the jar at equal distances from one best of those days in terms of both casting technique and sculpture. another. Other figurines providing extra decoration include a man with an exaggerated This statue was moved to the museum from Baengnyulsa Temple on Sogeumgangsan phallus, a musician playing the sillageum(a Korean zither with six strings), a couple in the Mountain in 1930. Baengnyulsa Temple is strongly associated with the legend of Ichadon, the midst of intercourse, a fish, a bird, and a tortoise. Ornamental figurines such as these perhaps great martyr who precipitated the acceptance of Buddhism in Silla. It has long been known as represented people’s hopes for fertility and prosperity. Thus, they are indispensable materials a historical and mythical place. that yield tremendous insight into the Silla people’s spiritual world and their way of life in The Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha images of Bulguksa Temple and this Bhaisajyaguru harmony with nature. image comprise the three gilt bronze statues that best represent the Buddhist sculpture of Unified Silla. This life-sized sculpture showcases outstanding composition and technique, with excellent overall proportions.

11 12 07. 사리갖춤 08. 석조미륵삼존불

Maitreya Sarira Reliquary Buddha Triad

Western Pagoda of the Gameunsa Jangchanggol Valley, Temple site Unified Silla, 682 CE Namsan Mountain, Geongju Silla, Former Half of the 7th Century CE H 28.0cm (outer chest) Treasure No. 366 H 160.0cm (center buddha)

This reliquary was discovered in the top part of a three-story stone pagoda to the west of As can be gleaned from the account that temples were as numerous as the stars in the sky Gameunsa Temple site in 1959. A similar reliquary was also found in the stone pagoda to the and pagodas could be lined up like a flock of seagulls, a significant number of temples and east of the temple site in 1996. Gameunsa Temple was built at the order of King Sinmun to pagodas were built in the royal capital as well as on Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju. This triad commemorate his father King Munmu in 682 CE. (in tribute to his accomplishments as the was moved from a stone chamber in Jangchanggol Valley on the northern peak of Namsan unifier of the Korean peninsula. Both the West Pagoda and the sarira reliquary are presumed Mountain in Gyeongju. (This Maitreya triad was found in 1925, inside a stone chamber in to have been created at this time.) The reliquaries found at the temple site attest to the very jangchanggol Valley of Namsan Mountain in Geongju.) Among the three statues, the main high standard of metal craftwork technologies from the Unified Silla Period. Inside a cuboid- Buddha is especially unique. The sculpture is one of the rare Korean statues representing shaped outer chest, a house-shaped sarira case was placed, while the crystal jar holding the Buddhist deities seated on chairs. Given that Buddhas seated with two pendulous legs are sarira was kept inside of a flame-shaped ornament at the center of the sarira case. Four mostly considered to represent Maitreya in China, the main Buddha of this triad is also likely Heavenly Deities were engraved onto the four sides of the outer chest, and muses playing to be a representation of Maitreya. The maitreya Buddha Triad is also known as the "Child musical instruments were engraved along the four corners of the base plate of the sarira case. Buddhas" because of the smiles on the Bodhisattvas on the right and the left. The childlike faces and bodies that are rotund yet toned reflect the sculpture styles of the Northern Qi and Sui of China, (this granite sculpture with gentle curves has an overall warm tone) but the granite that is polished and shaped to express harmony and softness is particular to Silla forms.

13 14 09. 치미 10. 금동초심지가위

Curved Ridge-end Gilt-bronze Roof Tile Snuffers

Hwangnyongsa Temple Site, Wolji Pond, Gyeongju Unified Silla, Gyeongju Silla, 7th Century CE 8th-9th Century CE

H 182.0cm L 25.5cm Treasure No.1844

The greatest temple of the kingdom of Silla, Hwangnyongsa Temple was originally intended Wolji was an artificial pond on the grounds of the royal palace in Silla. The size of Wolji pond to be a royal palace in the fourteenth year of King Jinheung(553 CE), but was changed to a is running 200 meters from east to west, and 180 meters north to south. The outline of the temple after the appearance of a yellow dragon. Burned to the ground during the Mongol pond is composed of a combination of straight lines and curves, the former lining the western Invasion in 1238 CE, Hwangnyongsa Temple today remains as traces in the ground only. edges. The reason the shape is curved is because the name of the pavilion "Imhaejeon" implies Ridge-end roof tiles often have images aimed at thwarting evil influences and guaranteeing that the pond was created to resemble the ocean. In other words, it was built in a way that the safety of a home and the health of its occupants. Highly-ornate ridge-end roof tiles one could not see the entirety of the pond no matter where one stood, producing a dramatic were used in affluent mansions, as symbols of social status. This gigantic ridge-end roof tile effect of infinite space similar to the ocean. This snuffers, used to cut lamp wicks, were found measures 180cm in height. in Wolji. To prevent the cut wick from falling off, the snuffer is equipped with a half moon- Often called mangsae, ridge-end tiles are placed on top of each end of the central roof ridge. shaped raised rim along the outer side of the blade. Because ridge-end tile is so large, it could not be manufactured as one piece. The top and The handles of the snuffers were made in the curved shape of vines, and the front side is bottom parts were constructed separately and then connected in two steps. On either side of also decorated with elaborate vine engraving. The phoenix tail-shaped handles are lavishly the body are lotus flower and face motifs that are placed alternatively. decorated with dot-shaped motifs and arabesque patterns. This metalwork bears a very stylish and intricate design. These types of snuffers were also found at Shosoin, indicating an active cultural exchange between Silla and Japan.

15 16 11. 대릉원

Daereungwon Tumuli Park The park got its name from the Samguk sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), which recorded ‘King Michu passed away after reigning for only 23 years and his funeral was held in Daereung’. The area is dense with 23 ancient tombs including the tomb of King Michu, Hwangnamdaechong Tomb and Cheongmachong Tomb. A series of excavations have revealed rich grave goods of gold, glass, and fine ceramics. One of the earlier tombs called Cheonmachong Tomb yielded a mural painting of a Daereungwon Tumuli Park consists of the royal tombs that were constructed during the Silla winged horse on birch bark along with a gold crown and a gold waist belt. Having this well preserved th th period(7 -10 Century). golden relics from Silla Dynasty, it was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.

17 18 12. 금령총

Geumnyeongchong Tomb Boat-shaped Pottery Geumnyeongchong (Tomb of the Golden Bell) National Museum of Korea | Silla, 6th Century

Located among the ancient tombs in Nodong-dong, Geumnyeongchong is a wooden chamber tomb from the Silla era which is protected as National Historical Place No.38. After unearthing a golden crown by chance from one of the mounds in Hwangnamni area, museum workers began to assume that more troves could be discovered from the mounds, researchers investigated two tombs which were Geumnyeongchong and Siknichong in 1924. In July 2018 excavation research was resumed after 94 years in order to gather knowledge needed to portray the entire tomb structure, the method used in its construction and to restore the tomb and its surrounding area.

Horse Rider Shaped Vessels Geumnyeongchong (Tomb of the Golden Bell) National Museum of Korea | Silla, 6th Century

19 20 13. 천마총

Cheonmachong Tomb Butterfly-shaped Crown Ornament

The tomb of Cheonmachong in Gyeongju was excavated in 1973. The circumference of the Cheonmachong Tomb, Gyeongju Silla th mound is 47 meters and the height is 13 meters. 6 Century CE The excavation produced gold earrings, jade necklaces, a gold belt, decorative swords, two H 23.0cm Treasure No. 617 horse mudguards made of birch, and a gold crown. A white flying horse was depicted on the surface of each mudguard. This 1,500 year-old white flying horse led to the naming of the tomb as Cheonmachong or the “Heavenly Horse Tomb.”

Gold Crown

Cheonmachong Tomb, Gyeongju Silla 6th Century CE

H 32.5cm National Treasure No. 188

21 22 14. 동궁과 월지

Donggung Palace Donggung Palace was built in 679 during the reign of King Munmu to be used as a venue for a state feasts and banquets as well as a palace for the prince. According to the Samguksagi, and Wolji Pond History of the Three Kingdoms, Wolji pond is mentioned that ‘a pond was dug, artificial hills were created, flowers were planted and strange animals were brought in and raised’. The pond was also served as a place to entertain noble guests and hold banquets for the king and his subjects.

23 24 15. 양동마을

Yangdong Clan Village The village shows typical structure of the village of Yangban, aristocrats. The houses of aristocrats are located relatively higher up on the hill, while the houses of tenant farmers are located underneath, close to the farmland, physically demonstrating one aspect of the social hierarchy existed during Joseon period. Due to the structure, a clear separation of the roof Nestled in a valley between Mt. Seolchangsan and Seongjubong Peak to the north of tiled houses and thatched-roof houses can be visible. Some of the notable houses of yangban Gyeongju, Yangdong Clan Village is home to two local gentry clans, the Son clan from aristocracy are Seobaekdang House and Mucheomdang House, which are the houses of the Wolseong and the Yi clan from Yeogang. head family of Son and Yi respectively. In addition, the village is known to have the largest number of pavilions, reaching 13 in quantity, which functioned as not only resting places but also places for learning Confucianism. The two families had their own pavilions and they both produced many prominent politicians throughout the Joseon Period.

Being recognised with its intact shape of the village and succession of intangible tradition, Yandong Clan Village was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010.

25 26 15. 양동마을

Map of Yangdong Clan Village

Mucheomdang House

Founded in the mid Joseon, Mucheomdang House is the residence of the head family Yi Eonjeok, a Confucian scholart and government official during the Joseon dynasty. As an extended Sarangchae(Man’s quarter), it served as a room for guests, resting place and library.

Hyangdan Seobaekdang House A typical residential building of aristocrats Seobaekdang is the head family house, built by during Joseon usually separated the spaces Son So, the founder of Son clan. for man, woman and servants. Hyangdan is It is one of the oldest houses remaining another residential area for Yi family and it in Korea and its layout hold great historical has unique structure that sarangchae for man, significance as evidence of the architectural anchae for woman and heangrangchae for Mucheomdang House style of that period. servents are located together in a row.

Hyangdan Gwangajeong

Simsujeong Pavilion

Gwangajeong Simsujeong Pavilion

Gwangajeong was the house of Son Jung- Simsujeong is a pavilion dedicated to Yi family. don of Son Family, who was an admired Though built as a pavilion, its size is equivalent government official during the Joseon period. to a proper house with its space divided into Located on a hilly area of the village looking haengrangchae and pavilion along with the fence over the farmland on the west side, the house surrounding it. Having Ganghakdang, has outstanding formality as a house of an a Confucian school for Yi family, in the neighbour, aristocrat. Ganghakdang it also served as a place to study Confucianism.

27 28 15. 양동마을

Hands on Experience Sotdae Making at Yangdong Clan Village Sotdae is a tall wooden pole or stone pillar with a carved bird on its top, built for the purpose of folk belief in Korea. It was usually erected near the entrance of a village to ward off evil spirits as well as to represent villagers’ wishes for prosperity and well-being. Later, it was also built as a celebratory or commemorative symbol. For instance, when a son of a family passed a civil service examination called gwageo, a sotdae was set up in the yard.

Rice Cake Making

Rice Cake Making

Rice cake, ttoek, is a sacrificial food offered at rituals, made by steaming powdered rice, then pounding or rolling the dough. Rice cake became the most important sacrificial food in a ritual, taking on additional meaning. Layered rice cake with red bean fillings was believed to chase away evil spirits and the plain white rice cake symbolised cleanness and purity. Sotdae Making

29 30 Contact

National Museum of Korea 국립중앙박물관 Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 KONG Hyeonji | International Relations Coordinator 054-740-7500 010-9170-5790 / [email protected] Deareungwon Tumuli Park 대릉원 Korean Culture and Information Service 해외문화홍보원 054-750-8650 LEE Go Eun | International Coordinator 010-3014-2184 / [email protected] Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond 동궁과 월지 054-750-8655 Gyeongju National Museum 국립경주박물관 SHIN Yeseul | International Cultural Affairs Yangdong Clan Village 양동마을 See you 010-3583-2970 / [email protected] 070-7098-3569 next time! L-Biz Korea FAN Chao 010-6610-9128 LEE Hyounggun 010-6392-0413

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