• Journal of architectural history
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.7-18
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• 2023

Recognizing that the debate on the original form of the Seokguram Grotto is closely related to the mythologization of the Seokguram Grotto, which is far from factual understanding, this paper is prepared to restore the Seokguram Grotto based on scientific facts. To this end, we will first analyze its active meaning and fiction from three directions: the founding legend, the rediscovery story, and the concept and discourse of the Line of sight for Buddha statue (對佛像視準線), which have contributed to the mythologization of the Seokguram Grotto. The original restoration of the Seokguram Grotto should be based on a scientific understanding of the Seokguram space. However, past debates and restoration attempts have been based on imagination and not on scientific knowledge. Therefore, Chapter 3 attempts a scientific analysis of the light environment of thr Seokguram Grotto and critically examines the existing errors and realistic mythological images to correct the public's spatial perception of Seokguram's architecture and to propose a rational restoration of Seokguram's architectural space.

• 보존과학연구
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• s.24
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• pp.169-184
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• 2003

Yearly mean temperature and relative-humidity of the Seokguram Grotto was measured $19~23^{\circ}C$, 40~44% from May, 1998 to December,2002. The measurement has little differences comparing to the optimum guideline (temperature : $20^{\circ}\pm2^{\circ}C$, relative-humidity : $50^{\circ}\pm5%$). It is necessary to increase humidity in the Seokguram Grotto during winter because of heating and decrease the temperature during summer because of a higher temperature of outside. In addition, the diurnal range keep in $4^{\circ}C$ of temperature and in 10% of relative-humidity. Yearly mean concentration of $CO_2$(carbon dioxide) was measured538~658ppm that is higher than concentration of normal atmosphere(360 ppm). The $CO_2$ has an cumulative effect on the surface of stone cultural properties as a form of carbonic acid($H_2CO_3$) after reaction with water. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) system should be operated to maintain ideal state for the preservation according to the optimum guideline. Also, the entrance into the Seokguram Grotto should be controlled to prevent a sudden fluctuation of humidity and temperature. Human could carry small particles like a microdust, microbe, etc., into the Seokguram Grotto and also could damage the surface by a direct touch.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.41-52
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• 2021

This study examines the Gyeongju Seokguram Grotto restoration project (1961-1962) by architect Kim Chung Up (1922-1988) and introduces the documents he wrote at the time of planning. The study highlights Kim's Plan attempt to adopt Buckminster Fuller's idea of the Geodesic Dome, while inheriting the architect Pai Ki Hyung's previous design plan which was nullified. As Seokguram Grotto's water leak and deterioration issues have been brought up, the four-times survey was carried out by experts team between 1958 and 1960, under Ministry of Education's direction. Pai designed an initial restoration plan based on the survey's result, which was a double-dome structure with a concrete film on the outer periphery as a way to protect Seokguram Grotto in January 1961. However, as drawbacks, such as the heavy load of the concrete dome, and non-installation of entrance hall, have been indicated in the review process, the Cultural Properties Committee rejected the plan. Subsequently, Kim was appointed as the supervisor of the second restoration project. Kim drew up a process management schedule to be implemented from August 1961 to December 1963 and designed the conception plans for the second restoration design. This study analyzes Kim's Plan by examining sketches, site plans, floor plans, and sections. Kim planned to maintain the idea of the double-dome structure proposed by Pai while applying Buckminster Fuller's idea of the Geodesic Dome. Kim planned to lighten the dome structure by applying a steel-frame Geodesic Dome so that the dome structure could be supported by its own. The study is expected to reclaim the omitted parts from Seokguram Grotto's historical description and Kim's careers.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.21-37
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• 2020

The purpose of this paper is to reconstruct the original floor plan and wall design of Seokbulsa Grotto in Kyungju; commonly known as 'Seokguram'. The paper presents an array of dimensional studies of the existing Seokguram to examine its architectural form, and infers the original floor plan and wall design of Seokbulsa Grotto. Seokbulsa Grotto is designed as a system of 'coherent modules' and was constructed using the dry stone method, which interlocks large stone modules into a whole that becomes the load-bearing structure itself. The design principles governing Seokbulsa Grotto are the spatial axis of symmetry, modular coordination, and the layout grid of a quarter Tang-Ruler(TR: 唐尺). Dimensional studies were conducted with these governing principles in mind and concludes the following about the original floor plan design. In the main chamber, Ansang-stone's radius is 12 TR, and Flagstone's radius is 12¼ TR. In the front chamber, the width between the two Ansang-stones facing each other is 22 TR and the longitudinal space depth is 12 TR, while the width between the two Flagstones facing each other is 22½ TR and Flagstone's depth is 12 TR. In the passageway, the width between the two Ansang-stones facing each other is 11½ TR and longitudinal space depth is 9 TR, while the width between the two Flagstones facing each other is 12 TR and Flagstone's depth is 7¾ TR. The distance from the center to the entrance line of the main chamber is 10½ TR. Therefore, the total longitudinal length of the Grotto is 43½ TR at the level of the Ansang-stones, and 44 TR at the level of the Flagstones.

• The Journal of the Korea Contents Association
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• v.15 no.11
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• pp.41-49
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• 2015

In spite of the registration on the world heritage in UNESCO the principal statue of Sakyamuni in Seokguram Grotto is considered that its worth doesn't reach to its fame. The exact name of the statue does not establish yet and the statue has insufficient of storytelling or narrative structure on it. Regarding these issues the statue need to enhance the real value of it. This study pursue reconsidering the status of the principal statue compare to general statue of the Buddha and searching for the originality and archetype as a Buddha in Seokguram Grotto. Descriptive method is adopted as a approach to this theme with preceding research analysis and reference research. As a result various alternatives are drew back as a countermeasure. One thing is a government leading system of research and development the other is it need to increase the fame of Sakyamuni statue in Seokguram Grotto with a n interdisciplinary approach in Korea.

• Journal of the Korean association of regional geographers
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.440-452
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• 2005

The granites in the Gyeongju area are represented by the Namsan granites and the Tohamsan granodiorites. In this study I examined the geomorphological and geological characteristics of the granite landforms in the Gyeongju area. Joint, tor and corestones are most identifiable geomorphological and geological structure in the study areas. Tor in the Namsan granites is well developed and mainly composed of cubic corestones. Petrographical features of the stones used for the stone-built cultural properties are compared with those of the granites cropped out nearby. Additionally radiogenic element contents (K, Th, U) were acquired for comparison by gamma-ray spectrometer analysis. Most stones from the stone-built cultural properties in the Bulguksa Temple are very similar to the Namsan granites in terms of petrography, radiogenic elements. On the contrary almost all stones from the Seokguram Grotto share common petrographical, physical and chemical characteristics with the Tohamsan granodiorites. Therefore it can be suggested that the stones in the Bulguksa Temple were supplied from Namsan, and that the stones in the Seokgurarn Grotto were collected at nearby Tohamsan.

• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.57 no.2
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• pp.52-78
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• 2024

This study analyzes the sculptural art of SeokhaSichan(石霞施讚, 1893-1958), a significant figure in modern Korean Buddhist art, to re-examine his contributions and standing in the history of Korean Buddhist art. Sichan expanded the boundaries of modern Korean Buddhist art by developing a unique style based on the traditional sculptural techniques he learned from his mentor, Wanho Nakhyeon (玩虎洛現, 1869~1933). This study explores Sichan's artistic development, focusing on his artistic characteristics and sculptural evolution. Sichan's early works are characterized by small sculptures modeled after the main Buddha of Seokguram Grotto and heavily influenced by his mentor, WanhoNakhyeon. In his later works, notable features include a sense of massive volume, larger scale, upright postures, integration of the Buddha statue with its pedestal, and decorative treatment of drapery. These changes are interpreted as Sichan's response to social changes and his reflection of inner contemplation and artistic exploration in his works. This study reveals the influences of Wanho Nakhyeon, collaborations with Toewon Woneil(退雲圓日, 1877~1939), interactions with patron Kim Jiseonghwa(金至誠華), and master-disciple relationship with successor Geumchun Seongpil(金春性必) through literature review and newly discovered works by Sichan. His works and his artistic evolution are pivotal milestones in the history of modern Korean Buddhist sculpture, demonstrating a unique integration of traditional and modern aesthetics. This study provides valuable insights into how Sichan's artistic legacy was inherited and developed by subsequent generations and offers crucial materials for the study of modern Korean Buddhist sculpture history.

• Journal of the Korean Institute of Landscape Architecture
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• v.43 no.4
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• pp.75-86
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• 2015

The survey was taken from July to August 2012 by users who visited Gyeongju National Park to compare the perceived gap of users regarding management policy by characteristic of Gyeongju National Park district type in this study. Gyeongju National Park users' characteristic, use pattern and perception regarding park management policy were created as survey items. First, district type was classified based on use pattern of the visitor and the key resources of 8 districts in Gyeongju National Park. Tohamsan District, which has many visitors for the purpose of scenery appreciation and recreation with Bulguksa and Seokguram Grotto, is classified as tourism type, Namsan and Daebon District, which bring in many visitors seeking to learn about historical culture and environmental education, could be classified as historical culture education types, and Hwarang, Seoak, Sogeum River, Gumisan District are places residents use for physical training, hiking and walking to improve health, thus classifying them as neighborhood park types. People perceived that the tourism type is where users for historical artifact tours are concentrated, thus consideration for plans that can improve visitors' satisfaction from a user limit policy is required, and a manager's right to control use behavior must be reinforced in historical culture education types. On the other hand, users of neighborhood parks found the lowest necessity for most of the policy, and this showed that users of each of Gyeongju National Park's districts felt differently about the need for policies. This result is expected to be utilized as a database for introducing policy that reflects the perception of users in each districts of Gyeongju National Park in the future.

• MISULJARYO - National Museum of Korea Art Journal
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• v.96
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• pp.209-223
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• 2019

The Iron Seated Buddha sculpture in the National Museum of Korea had long sat unregistered in storage at the museum. However, a new accession number "bon9976" has recently been assigned to it. This sculpture was excavated from the neighborhood of Heungnyongsa Temple in Baekun-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province together with another Iron Seated Buddha sculpture(bon9975) called "Iron Buddha from Pocheon." A comparison and examination of Gelatin Dry Plate and official documents from the Joseon Government-General Museum during the Japanese occupation period have revealed that these two Iron Buddha sculptures were transferred to the Museum of the Government-General of Korea on December 17, 1925. The Iron Seated Buddha sculpture(bon9976) has a height of 105 centimeters, width at the shoulders of 57 centimeters, and width at the knee of 77 centimeters. The Buddha is wearing a robe with rippling drapery folds and the right shoulder exposed. He is seated in the position called gilsangjwa(the seat of good fortune) in which the left foot is placed over the right thigh. The features of the Buddha's oval face are prominently sculpted. The voluminous cheeks, eye sockets in a large oval shape, slanted eyes, short nose, and plump lips can also be found in other ninth-century Iron Seated Buddha sculptures at Silsangsa Temple in Namwon, Jeollanam-do Province, Hancheonsa Temple in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Samhwasa Temple in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do Province. Moreover, its crossed legs, robe exposing the right shoulder, and rippling drapery folds suggest that this sculpture might have been modeled after the main Buddha sculpture of the Seokguram Grotto from the eighth century. The identity of this Iron Seated Buddha can be determined using the Gelatin Dry Plate(M442-2, M442-7). In them, the Buddha has its right palm facing upwards and holds a medicine jar on its left palm. Until now, the Iron Seated Bhaiṣajyagura(Medicine) Buddha(bon1970) excavated from Wonju has been considered the sole example of an iron Medicine Buddha sculpture. However, this newly registered Iron Seated Buddha turns out to be a Medicine Buddha holding a medicine jar. Furthermore, it serves as valuable material since traces of gilding and lacquering clearly remain on its surface. This Iron Seated Buddha sculpture (bon9976) is presumed to have been produced around the ninth century under the influence of Esoteric Buddhism by the Monk Doseon(827~898), a disciple of the Monk Hyecheol, to protect the temple and help the country overcome geographical shortcomings. According to the records stored at Naewonsa Temple(later Heungnyongsa Temple), Doseon selected three significant sites, including Baegunsan Mountain, built "protector" temples, created the Bhaisajyagura Buddha triad, and enshrined them at the temples. Moreover, the inscription on the stele on the restoration of Seonamsa Temple states that Doseon constructed temples and produced iron Buddha sculptures to help the country surmount certain geographical shortcomings. Heungnyongsa Temple is located in Dopyeong-ri, Yidong-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do Province. This region appears to have been related to rituals directed to the Medicine Buddha since Yaksa Temple(literally, "the temple of medicine") was built here during the Goryeo Dynasty, and the Yaksa Temple site with its three-story stone pagoda and Yaksadong Valley still exist in Dopyeong-ri.