Teaching East Asia: Korea Teaching East Asia: Korea | Page 238

2. “The Tripitaka Koreana” The Tripitaka Koreana
is located at the Haeinsa Temple, a thousand year-old monastery located in the mountains in
south-eastern part of Korea. The Tripitaka Koreana is the most complete and important set of
Buddhist teachings. It was carved in the 13 th century on 81,340 woodblocks that altogether
weighed about 280 tons. The blocks are housed in two large buildings complete with a simple,
but effective ventilation system that has preserved the woodblocks in virtually perfect condition.
The article explains the scientific methods that the Koreans adopted to preserve the woodblocks.
In fairly recent years, the woodblocks were removed to a modern building that many thought
would be better in terms of preservation; however, within a short amount of time they began to
deteriorate. Needless to say, the woodblocks were returned to their original home at Haeinsa.
KSCPP has a ten minute video on its website on the Tripitaka Koreana.
3. “The Sokkuram Grotto” The grotto is the only man-made
grotto of its kind. In order to achieve their goal, the people of Silla had to use highly accurate
mathematical calculations and geometric accuracy in the creation of the grotto. In the center of
the grotto is a beautifully carved huge Buddhist statue. The early Koreans had the technological
skills to create a beautiful Buddha out of granite which is hard and course grained. Despite this,
the granite structure is extremely detailed and realistic. Another remarkable achievement is the
domed ceiling which is made up of 108 stones, each weighing tens of tons. Without any adhesive
agent, they were able to support the weight of the stones. The KSCPP website has a ten minute
video on the Sokkuram Grotto.
The following articles are from Fifty Wonders of Korea vol. 2: A discussion of fifty world-class
scientific and technology achievements from the history of Korea.
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