Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 40

of the advanced technology and craftsmanship possessed by Silla artisans. The crowns belonged
to the royalty and members of the royal family who had a significant role in Silla’s ancient
capital city.
2. Bulguksa, near Gyeongju, 8 th century CE. The
temple is considered to be the most magnificent example of Silla architecture and the most
renowned Buddhist temple in Korea. It is located in the mountains near Gyeongju, the ancient
Silla capital. The harmonious beauty of the temple reveals the highly developed architectural
taste and skills of the ancient Silla people.
3. The Dharani Sutra, near Gyeongju, early 8 th century
CE, National Museum of Korea. In 1966, the Dharani Sutra was discovered within the
Shakyamuni Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple near Gyeongju. Since it is believed that the pagoda
was completed in 751 CE., the print is therefore at least as old as the shrine in which it was
stored. The discovery of the Dharani Sutra caused much controversy among academics, but it is
now considered to be the oldest woodblock print in the world.
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