Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 36
Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa Temple
(Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do)
🏯 1. The Oldest Bronze Bell in Korea
High in the serene mountains of Odaesan stands Sangwonsa Temple, home to Korea’s oldest surviving bronze bell — the Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa Temple, a masterpiece of early Unified Silla metalcraft.
Cast in 725 CE, during the reign of King Seongdeok, this bell predates the famous Great Bell of King Seongdeok (Emille Bell) by nearly half a century.
Its sound and form reveal the birth of a distinctly Korean style of Buddhist bell — elegant, balanced, and resonant with spiritual depth.
For more than 1,300 years, its voice has carried across valleys, calling both monks and mountains to quiet contemplation.
🪨 2. Structure and Artistic Features
The bell stands about 1.67 meters tall and weighs over 500 kilograms. Despite its size, it is beautifully proportioned and delicately ornamented.
At the top is a dragon-shaped suspension hook, symbolizing ascension toward the heavens. Below the hook lies a raised lotus design encircling the bell’s shoulder, from which pairs of heavenly figures (apsaras) appear to emerge — their graceful forms symbolizing celestial harmony.
The surface is divided into panels containing Buddhist motifs and floral patterns, executed with extraordinary precision. The tone hole (yongnyu), a signature feature of Silla bells, allows the sound to resonate in a clear, deep, and lingering tone — often described as “a voice that touches the soul.”
🌄 3. The Sound of Enlightenment
In Buddhist temples, the ringing of a bell marks more than the passage of time; it is a spiritual awakening. The sound is believed to reach all beings — from the heavens above to the underworld below — guiding them toward enlightenment.
The Sangwonsa Bell embodies this belief perfectly. Its voice is gentle yet commanding, carrying a calm strength that seems to dissolve sorrow and still the mind.
To ancient monks, its sound was not simply heard; it was felt — an echo of truth that resonated through the heart.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
Despite its great age, the Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa Temple remains in remarkable condition.
Its surface still bears the subtle glow of ancient bronze, and the reliefs retain their delicate beauty.
Designated National Treasure No. 36, it marks the dawn of Korea’s bronze bell artistry, later culminating in the grandeur of the Great Bell of King Seongdeok.
Today, the bell is treasured as both a religious symbol and an acoustic masterpiece — proof that faith, when shaped in metal, can sing for a thousand years.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“When the Sangwonsa Bell rings,
its voice does not echo — it breathes.
Through mountains and silence,
it reminds us that wisdom needs no words, only resonance.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal