Temple Artwork

Korean Buddhist temples and hermitages are filled with a variety of artwork that might not be completely understandable or discernible to the viewer. Whether it’s a painting, a statue, a pagoda, or stupa, the symbolic meaning might simply be lost on those observing it. These artistic expressions of Buddhism are rich with meaning. And one gets a better sense of what Korean Buddhism and the temple are attempting to express to those that encounter it. Often, these items aren’t isolated; but instead, play in concert with one another for a fuller expression of their religious significance and symmetry. Below is a list of potential artistic items you might find at a Korean Buddhist temple. Click on the name below to follow the link.

  1. 1. Palsang-do – The Eight Scenes from the Life of the Buddha Murals: 팔상도
  3. 2. Shimu-do – The Ten Ox-Herding Murals: 심우도
  5. 3. Tap – The Korean Pagoda: 탑
  7. 4. Biseok – Stele: 비석
  9. 5. Budo – Stupa: 부도
  11. 6. Gamno-do – The Sweet Dew Mural: 감로도
  13. 7. Shinjung Taenghwa – The Guardian Mural: 신중 탱화
  15. 8. Podae-Hwasang – The Hempen Bag: 포대화상
  17. 9. Dancheong – Temple Colours: 단청
  19. 10. The Sermon on Vulture Peak Painting – Yeongsan Hoesang-do: 영산 회상도
  21. 11. Yong – Dragons: 용
  23. 12. Gwimyeon – The Monster Mask: 귀면
  25. 13. The Manja – The Swastika: 만자
  27. 14. Sibiji-shin – The Twelve Spirit Generals: 십이지신
  29. 15. Banya Yongseon-do – The Dragon Ship of Wisdom: 반야 용선도
  31. 16. Poroe – The Dragon that Adorns the Top of the Temple Bell: 포뢰
  33. 17. Bicheon – Flying Heavenly Deities: 비천
  35. 18. Jowang-shin – The Fireplace King Spirit: 조왕신
  37. 19. Ggotsalmun – Flower Latticework Door: 꽃살문
  39. 20. Gareungbinga and Gongmyeongjo – Kalavinka and Jivamjivaka: 가릉빈가 & 공명조
  41. 21. Punggyeong – Fish-Shaped Wind Chimes: 풍경
  43. 22. Agwi – Hungry Ghosts: 아귀
  45. 23. Ggotbi – Rain of Flowers: 꽃비
  47. 24. Datjib – The Canopy: 닺집
  49. 25. Gwaebul – Large Buddhist Banner Painting: 괘불
  51. 26. Narayeon Geumgang and Miljeok Geumgang – The Twin Guardians of Korean Temples: 나라연 금강 & 밀적 금강
  53. 27. Gwangbae and Geosingwang – The Nimbus and Mandorla: 광배 & 거신광
  55. 28. Yunjangdae – Revolving Scriptures Library Pillar: 윤장대
  57. 29. Frogs and Toads – 개구리와 두꺼비
  59. 30. Stone Lantern – 석등