Original Musical "Kim Gyogak" Successfully Staged in Gyeongju... Embodying the Values of Compassion, Forgiveness, and Peace

Commemorating the Successful Hosting of APEC and the 30th Anniversary of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto's UNESCO Inscription
Academic Conference on Korea-China Buddhist Cultural Exchange, Including Sapsal Dog and Grain Trade, Also Held

Gyeongju City announced that the original musical "Kim Gyogak," produced to commemorate the successful hosting of the 2025 APEC Summit and the 30th anniversary of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto's inscription as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, was successfully held in Gyeongju on November 14 and 15.

This performance offered a modern reinterpretation of the life of Kim Gyogak, who was born as a prince of Silla and revered as the incarnation of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva at Mount Jiuhua in China. Through the narrative of Kim Gyogak being reincarnated as a contemporary youth named Jung Yeonwoo, the musical conveyed the values of compassion, forgiveness, and peace across a millennium.

The cast is taking a bow on stage after the performance of the original musical "Kim Gyogak" held in Gyeongju. Provided by Gyeongju City

Director Song Changjin, who was responsible for both the script and direction, delivered a profound message-"Where does true salvation come from?"-through the use of projection mapping and other immersive video technologies, the simultaneous participation of Korean and Chinese actors, and a creative blend of traditional and modern music and choreography.

According to historical records such as the "Samguk Sagi," Kim Gyogak was born as a prince of Silla, traveled to the Tang Dynasty to pursue Buddhist practice, spread the teachings of Buddhism at Mount Jiuhua for many years, and after his passing, was revered as Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva.

He is especially known for introducing Silla tea to China, with related accounts preserved in Chinese texts such as the "Huashengsa Chronicles of Mount Jiuhua."

Meanwhile, on November 15 in Gyeongju, the "China Zizhou City-Gyeongju City Sister City Agreement Commemoration Silla Prince Kim Gyogak Korea-China Silla Tea International Exchange Academic Conference" was held.

This academic conference provided an in-depth exploration of the transmission of forbidden tea, maritime routes during the Silla period, and cultural and economic exchanges between the two countries, such as the trade of Sapsal dogs and grains.

Lim Dongju, Director of Culture and Tourism at Gyeongju City, stated, "Today's discussions will serve as a starting point for opening new routes of knowledge for the future, based on our shared past."

The original musical and academic conference, which highlighted the spirit of Kim Gyogak-who vowed not to attain Buddhahood until hell was empty and lived in solidarity with all beings-are being recognized as significant opportunities to promote the philosophy of Kim Gyogak and the excellence of Silla Buddhist culture from multiple perspectives.

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