Jikjisa Temple Connects a Millennium of Legacy with National Treasure and Sacred Treasures Vault

"Assembly of the Three Buddhas of Shakyamuni" Elevated to National Treasure
Completion of Sacred Treasures Museum Storage Facility
A New Leap Forward for Gimcheon’s Cultural Heritage

Jikjisa Temple in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, has ushered in a new chapter befitting its millennium-old status.

The temple’s representative Buddhist painting, "The Assembly of the Three Buddhas of Shakyamuni," has been elevated to the status of National Treasure, and the completion of the Sacred Treasures Museum's storage facility has further strengthened the preservation system for both local and national cultural heritage.

Millennium-Old Temple Jikjisa Protects Cultural Heritage with National Treasures and Storage Facilities.

On the 18th, at the commemorative ceremony held at Jikjisa Temple, Ven. Jang Myung, head monk, Heo Min, director of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, Ven. Jinwoo, chief abbot of the Jogye Order, Na Youngmin, chairman of the Gimcheon City Council, along with distinguished guests and citizens, attended and added significance to the event.

◆ Masterpiece of the Yeongjo Era Elevated to National Treasure

"The Assembly of the Three Buddhas of Shakyamuni," newly designated as a National Treasure, was created in 1744 (the 20th year of King Yeongjo’s reign) and enshrined at Jikjisa Temple. This Buddhist painting depicts Shakyamuni Buddha, who preaches in this world; Medicine Buddha, symbolizing healing and the past; and Amitabha Buddha, representing paradise and the future.

Among the existing paintings of the Three Buddhas, it is the oldest and largest, and its historical and artistic value has been recognized both domestically and internationally. Scholars have noted that "the elevation to National Treasure status affirms the true stature of Jikjisa's Buddhist art."

◆ New Chapter in Cultural Heritage Preservation with Storage Facility

In addition, with the completion of the Sacred Treasures Museum’s storage facility, a project initiated in 2019, the safe preservation and systematic management of Jikjisa’s sacred relics have become possible. The construction of this storage facility carries symbolic significance as it serves not only as a repository but also as a "vault of cultural assets" that ensures the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations.

Paek Nakho, mayor of Gimcheon City, stated, "The elevation to National Treasure status and the completion of the storage facility serve as opportunities to both safeguard Gimcheon’s history and spirit and to further enhance the value of cultural heritage to be passed on to our descendants. Gimcheon City will continue to do its utmost to preserve and succeed cultural heritage and to promote the development of local culture."

The elevation to National Treasure status and the completion of the storage facility are expected to mark a turning point for Jikjisa Temple, transforming it from a mere religious space into a global center of cultural heritage.

On the 18th, at the commemorative ceremony held at Jikjisa Temple, Paek Nakho, mayor of Gimcheon City, was joined by Ven. Jang Myung, head monk, Heo Min, director of the Cultural Heritage Administration, Song Eonseok, floor leader of the People Power Party, Ven. Jinwoo, head of the Jogye Order, Na Youngmin, chairman of the Gimcheon City Council, along with other distinguished guests and citizens, adding significance to the event.