Seoul Tour - National Museum of Korea, a Land of Brilliant Gold Crowns and Buddhism

The "Exploring Buddhist Culture" tour hosted by the National Museum of Korea is a great opportunity to appreciate the essence of Korean Buddhist art and understand the differences between it and Chinese and other Buddhist cultures. Below, we provide detailed information on the characteristics of Korean Buddhist culture, along with tour information.

The Differences Between Korean and Overseas Buddhist Cultures

The exhibits at the National Museum of Korea reveal the distinctive characteristics of Korean Buddhist culture compared to those of China and other countries. The key differences are summarized in a table.

Comparing Korean and Chinese Buddhist Cultures

While Korean and Chinese Buddhism share the same Mahayana roots, they have developed distinct hues based on their respective histories, societies, and aesthetics. These differences are clearly evident through the artifacts at the National Museum of Korea.

Korean Buddhism is characterized by the spirit of "harmony and practice." Throughout the Three Kingdoms period and the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, it blended with indigenous Korean beliefs and Confucian values. This is clearly reflected in Buddhist sculptures, which tend to express human warmth and quiet dignity rather than idealized beauty. A particularly representative example of the uniqueness of Korean Buddhist art is the "Hangma Chokjiin" hand gesture. This depicts the moment when Sakyamuni resisted the temptation of the devil just before attaining enlightenment, and is a uniquely Korean Buddhist sculpture rarely seen in China. Furthermore, it emphasizes social responsibility for the well-being of the nation and its people, as well as daily practice.

In contrast, Chinese Buddhism is characterized by its "vast diversity and philosophical depth." China served as a key route for Buddhism from India and Central Asia via the Silk Road, leading to the development of diverse Buddhist ideologies and sects. The appearance of Buddhist statues also varies significantly across eras and regions. Beginning with the realistic Gandhara style, influenced by Greek art, early Buddhist statues evolved into a voluptuous and stately aesthetic during the Tang Dynasty, and from the Song Dynasty onward, they adopted a more secular and humanistic appearance. Chinese Buddhism is also renowned for its profound philosophical discourse, the study of scriptures, and the development of Zen Buddhism, which contributes to the emphasis on individual meditation and the pursuit of enlightenment.

In summary, Korean Buddhist culture pursues a refined and harmonious beauty, reflecting the unique sensibility of the Korean Peninsula, while Chinese Buddhist culture displays diverse and dynamic trends reflecting the history of a vast continent. At the National Museum of Korea, we invite you to experience these cultural differences firsthand by admiring Korean gold crowns, Buddha statues, and unique hand-shaped Buddha statues.

Gold Crowns: A Testimony of a Brilliant Culture

On the first floor of the museum, in the Prehistoric and Ancient History Gallery, you can admire gold crowns, a representative example of Silla's golden art. This is a precious experience, allowing you to see firsthand what you've only seen in textbooks.

Visitor Information and Facilities

Here's some basic information you should know before visiting.

· Opening Hours
· Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sun: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
· Wed, Sat: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Night Opening)
· Last Admission: 30 minutes before closing
· Interpretation Services for Foreign Visitors
· Location: Permanent Exhibition Hall Information Desk on the 1st floor
· Languages Available: English, Chinese, Japanese, and other interpretation services available
· Other: Audio guides available for rental
· Other Amenities
· Parking: Ground and underground parking available (KRW 2,000 for 2 hours, maximum KRW 10,000 per day)
· Storage: Lockers are available near the entrance.
· Rest Areas: Cafes and rest areas are located throughout the museum.

Things to Know Before Your Trip

· Join a Curator Chat. This exhibition commentary program, available without a reservation, offers a great opportunity to learn more about the artifacts. · You can experience the artifacts more vividly by utilizing the museum's digital immersive theater.

We hope you have a meaningful time experiencing the depth and beauty of Korean Buddhist art at the National Museum of Korea.

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