Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 29
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
The Great Bronze Bell of King Seongdeok (Emille Bell)
(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
🏯 1. The Bell That Echoes Through Time
In the ancient city of Gyeongju stands one of Korea’s most magnificent relics — the Great Bronze Bell of King Seongdeok, also known as the Emille Bell.
Cast in 771 CE during the reign of King Hyegong, this masterpiece was dedicated to King Seongdeok the Great (702–737) of the Unified Silla Kingdom. It was commissioned by his son, King Gyeongdeok, to honor his father’s virtues and legacy.
The bell’s deep, resonant sound has been celebrated for centuries. According to legend, its voice carries the sorrow and compassion of a mother and child, earning it the poetic name “Emille,” derived from an ancient word for “mother.”
🪨 2. Artistic and Technical Mastery
Standing 3.75 meters high and weighing nearly 19 tons, the Great Bell is a triumph of ancient metallurgy and acoustic design. It is considered one of the most beautiful and technically advanced bells in the world.
The upper part of the bell features a dragon-shaped suspension hook, symbolizing spiritual ascent, while the sides are adorned with intricate reliefs of lotus flowers and flying celestial beings. The lotus represents purity, while the heavenly figures embody eternal harmony.
At the center is the sound tube (yongnyu) — a unique Silla innovation that amplifies and enriches the tone, allowing the bell’s sound to travel vast distances with deep resonance and remarkable clarity.
When struck, the bell produces a tone so pure and lingering that ancient texts describe it as “a voice that reaches heaven.”
🌄 3. The Voice of the Nation
The Great Bell is not merely an artifact — it is a symbol of the Korean soul. Its sound embodies both sorrow and serenity, reminding listeners of the impermanence of life and the compassion that transcends it.
To the people of Silla, the ringing of the bell was a sacred act that connected the human world with the divine, spreading the Buddha’s teachings through vibration and light.
Even today, when the bell is struck in recordings or replicas, people often describe a profound calm — as if time itself pauses to listen.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
For over 1,200 years, the Great Bell of King Seongdeok has stood as a symbol of spiritual devotion, artistic brilliance, and scientific ingenuity.
Designated National Treasure No. 29, it is currently preserved at the National Museum of Gyeongju. The bell’s magnificent form and its legendary tone have made it one of Korea’s most beloved cultural icons.
Its enduring sound continues to resonate across centuries — not as an echo of the past, but as a living voice of peace and remembrance.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“When the Great Bell rings, the world falls silent.
Its voice carries not through distance,
but through hearts — reminding us that harmony, once awakened, never fades.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal