[G20 SEOUL SUMMIT 2010]World Heritage: Korea’s Global Gifts

Tripitaka Depository in Haeinsa Temple The photo shows a bird’s-eye view of the depository that has preserved the Tripitaka Koreana perfectly for over 500 years by achieving harmony with nature and applying scientific principles. Photos: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has been designating mankind’s cultural and natural legacies as “World Heritage” since 1972 to preserve assets considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. The designation applies to “territorial” assets, meaning those that cannot be moved, such as buildings or geographical features, rather than works of art. As of 2010, 911 assets in 151 countries have been named World Heritage; Korea is the proud possessor of 10.

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UNESCO Cultural World Heritage
□1 Tripitaka Depository in Haeinsa Temple

In Haeinsa Temple in Korea’s deep south stand two elongated wooden buildings. These buildings, dating from the 14th century, stand alongside one another on a north-south axis and appear outwardly simple to the eye. However, the scientific brilliance of their design and their harmony with nature have preserved the Tripitaka Koreana, the most complete collection of Buddhist texts in the world, engraved upon 80,000 woodblocks, in perfect condition for more than 500 years.

The buildings’ windows are so designed that the blocks are well ventilated, but minimal moisture enters the buildings, and what does enter, easily exits. Moreover, the architects also buried charcoal, powdered lime, salt and sand under the floors of the buildings to control humidity.

□2 Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo, in central Seoul, is a shrine for the ancestral worship of deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910); as such, it embodies the most refined and stately architecture of the era. Because it is a place for Confucian ancestral rites, the architecture is free of any ornamentation; it is grand but austere.

The music and dance for royal ancestral rites have also been passed down and continue to take place at Jongmyo, which has existed in its present form since the 16th century. Both the hardware and software of Jongmyo are recognized by UNESCO.

□3 Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple

Near the southeastern city of Gyeongju, stand the Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, both built during the 8th century. These cultural relics, embody a deep devotion to Buddhism and the prosperity of the Silla Dynasty (BC57-AD935), the kingdom that unified the peninsula and which is sometimes known as “Korea’s Golden Age.” The grotto, containing a sitting Buddha statue, is a masterpiece of architecture, built with mathematical and geometric precision, reflecting the highest ideals of both the religion and art of the period.

Bulguksa was designed to realize the blissful land of the Buddha in the human world. Gazing at the stone balustrades, the curves of the roof and the colors on the elaborate eaves, one might be tempted to say that the designer succeeded.

□4 Changdeokgung Palace

Central Seoul’s Changdeokgung - “The Palace of Prosperous Virtue” - is a Joseon palace built in 1405. It exhibits an outstanding harmony with nature; its buildings stand on hills to preserve the area’s natural topography. Its pastoral Secret Garden was the resting place for royalty and features ornamental ponds, pavilions and trees that are hundreds of years old.

Changdeokgung was the favorite palace of the monarchs of Joseon - a dynasty that did not stint on palace building. The last, elderly remnants of the dynasty, which fell when Japan seized control of Korea in 1910, resided in this palace until the 1960s.

□5 Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong, “The Shining Fortress” in Suwon, south of Seoul, was constructed in 1795 at the command of King Jeongjo, an enlightened monarch who led a late Joseon renaissance. Upon enthronement, the king moved the tomb of his father to the most auspicious site in the land. relocated his capital there, then built a beautiful fortress around the booming new town. This was Hwaseong. Today, the fortress is stunningly preserved: Its gray, gated walls curve around the edge of the modern city of Suwon like the spine of a running dragon.

□6 Gyeongju Historic Areas

Gyeongju, a mid-sized city in southeast Korea, was the capital of the Silla Dynasty for a thousand years; rarely has the capital of any kingdom flourished for so long. Known today as “a museum without a roof” Gyeongju is a treasure trove of relics that continue to inspire Korean artists today.

Gyeongju’s Historic Areas contain cultural relics including sculptures, reliefs, pagodas, and the remains of temples and palaces that date back to legendary Silla. The South Mountain area is scattered with Buddhist art, the Moon Fortress area contains the site of a palace and the Great Tumuli area is where the tombs of Silla kings and other royalty are concentrated. The Hwangnyongsa Temple area is a hub of Buddhist art, while the Mountain Fortress showcases Silla’s command of defensive architecture.

□7 Dolmen Sites

Prehistoric cemeteries in Gochang, Hwasun and Gangwha on Korea’s western coast contain dolmens - tombs constructed of large stone slabs during the Bronze Age. Artifacts, stoneware and earthenware have been found inside the dolmens.

There are about 30,000 dolmens in Korea - around half the number found worldwide. The dolmens in the three areas were built 2,000-3,000 years ago. They open windows onto Bronze Age life and death, and the beginnings of political power and economics.

□8 Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Of the 42 royal tombs of Joseon dynasty kings and their consorts on the Korean peninsula, 40, excluding two in North Korea, have been named World Heritage properties. The Joseon royal tombs, which embody Korea’s Confucian tradition, retain their original forms and surroundings as they have been strictly managed and preserved since their founding.

□9 Hahoe and Yangdong Historic Villages

Hahoe village and Yangdong village, both in the southeast, are rare examples of villages that have preserved the traditional architecture and Confucian culture of the Joseon dynasty for more than 600 years. Clans that have lived there for generations are still in residence, and both villages boast intangible cultural assets such as the Hahoe mask dance, which exists here in its original forms. The villages are clusters of traditional Korean cottages, notable for their graceful curved roofs and enclosed courtyards.

UNESCO Natural World Heritage
□10 Jeju Volcanoes and Lava Caves

In Jeju, the holiday island off Korea’s south coast, UNESCO has named Mount Halla, Seongsan Sunrise Peak and Geomun Lava Cave area natural World Heritage sites. Mount Halla is a shield-shaped volcanic edifice, popular with hikers. Seongsan Sunrise Peak is a volcano resembling a massive fortress. The Geomun Lava Caves were formed 100,000-300,000 years ago. These natural heritage sites provide invaluable insight into the formation of volcanoes and related eco-systems.

By Lee Kwang-pyo kplee@donga.com