Muryangsa Temple in Buyeo Holds Ceremony to Commemorate National Treasure Designation of 'Mireukbul Gwaebuldo'

A 14-Meter Buddhist Painting from 1627
The Foundational Work That Led the Evolution of Gwaebul Art

Muryangsa Mireukbul Gwaebuldo in Buyeo

The National Heritage Administration will hold an event at 6 p.m. on September 20 in front of the Daeungjeon Hall at Muryangsa Temple in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, to commemorate the designation of the Muryangsa Mireukbul Gwaebuldo as a National Treasure.

This gwaebuldo is an extra-large Buddhist painting, reaching a height of 14 meters. It depicts a bodhisattva standing figure adorned with a crown and elaborate decorations. The balanced composition, striking color contrasts, and harmonious use of gentle mid-tones embody the grandeur unique to Buddhist paintings, earning it recognition as the origin of the majestic deity gwaebul style.

According to the inscription, Buddhist painters Beopgyeong, Hyeyun, Inhak, and Heesang created the painting in the fifth year of King Injo's reign (1627). It predates other gwaebuldo paintings designated as National Treasures. By explicitly identifying the principal figure as 'Mireuk' (Maitreya), it reflects the popularity of Maitreya worship in the Chungcheong region. The painting subsequently influenced the production of similar gwaebuldo and contributed to the development of Korean gwaebuldo art.

This is the first time in about 30 years that a gwaebuldo has been designated as a National Treasure, following the simultaneous elevation of seven pieces in 1997.

The event will be attended by Huh Min, Commissioner of the National Heritage Administration; Monk Jeongdeok, Chief Monk of Muryangsa Temple; National Assemblyman Park Suhyeon; and Park Junghyun, Mayor of Buyeo County, among others. The program will include a pre-ceremony performance by the Chungnam Gugak Orchestra, the presentation of the National Treasure designation certificate, and a congratulatory performance.

Commissioner Huh stated, "We will continue systematic management and utilization in cooperation with Buyeo County and Muryangsa Temple."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.