PHOTOS: 'A Room of Quiet Contemplation' at National Museum of Korea
By Cho Bo HeePosted : February 19, 2025, 15:08Updated : February 19, 2025, 15:18
SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - The Room of Quiet Contemplation on the second floor of the National Museum of Korea is always filled with visitors. This space houses two Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva statues, designated as National Treasures, from the late 6th to early 7th century, displayed side by side. As you walk through the dimly lit and silent corridor, you come face to face with the serene figure of a Pensive Bodhisattva, seated with one leg crossed over the other, gently resting one hand on its cheek, immersed in deep thought.
"A Room of Quiet Contemplation" at National Museum of Korea, AJP Cho Bo-hee
These statues, masterpieces of metal casting, combine simplicity with a sense of liveliness, and grandeur with restraint. Their dignified presence draws even the busiest modern visitor into a quiet moment of reflection.
Two Gilt-bronze Pensive Bodhisattva statues are displayed at "A Room of Quiet Contemplation" at National Museum of Korea, AJP Cho Bo-hee AJP Cho bo-hee
Since relocating to Yongsan in 2005, the National Museum of Korea has become the country’s largest and most prominent museum, welcoming over four million visitors annually. Its permanent exhibition halls house a vast collection of Korean antiquities and artifacts, featuring approximately 10,000 items. The museum’s exhibits are regularly rotated to ensure preservation and accommodate external exhibitions. Admission to the permanent exhibition is free.
This image shows The 10-story stone pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa, a National Treasure, displayed at the National Museum of Korea. AJP Cho bo-hee
The museum spans three floors, each dedicated to different themes. The first floor showcases the Prehistoric & Ancient History Hall and the Medieval & Early Modern History Hall. The second floor is home to the Calligraphy & Painting Hall, the Donated Works Hall, and the Room of Quiet Contemplation, while the third floor features the Sculpture & Craft Hall and the World Art Hall. Upon entering the museum, visitors are greeted by the 10-story stone pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa, a National Treasure, standing tall in the first-floor lobby.
The Pagoda of Buddhist Monk Yeomgeo, a National Treasure, is displayed in the outdoor exhibition area of the National Museum of Korea. AJP Cho bo-hee
Exploring the entire museum thoroughly requires at least half a day, but for those with limited time, it is recommended to start from the third floor and work your way down.
A panoramic view of the National Museum of Korea. AJP Cho bo-hee
The Buddha Statue Exhibition Hall on the third floor. AJP Cho bo-hee
Beyond the museum building, the Outdoor Exhibition Area houses some of Korea’s most treasured historical artifacts. The Pagoda of Buddhist Monk Yeomgeo, designated as a National Treasure, stands among them, alongside the Stupa of Jingong from Heungbeopsa Temple, a relic commissioned by Goryeo’s founding king, Wang Geon. Another remarkable piece is the Seven-story Stone Pagoda from Namgyewonji, a prime example of Goryeo-era stone pagodas, originally located in Kaesong. Also on display is the Bosingak Bell, one of the most famous bells from the Joseon Dynasty, known for its deep and resonant chime.
This image shows the Maitreya Bodhisattva and Amitabha Buddha from Gamsansa Temple, designated as National Treasures. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Goryeo Celadon Hall. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows Buncheong pottery from the Joseon Dynasty. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the White Porcelain Jar with plum and bamboo design in iron underglaze, designated as a National Treasure. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the artifacts excavated from the tomb of Yun Sa-shin and his wife from the Joseon Dynasty. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows calligraphy and painting from the Joseon Dynasty. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows roof tiles from the Three Kingdoms period, donated by Japanese collector Iuchi Isao. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows a Joseon Dynasty medicine cabinet displayed in the hall of donated items. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the self-portrait of Kang Se-hwang from the Joseon Dynasty, designated as a Treasure. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Uigwe, the royal protocol documenting the state funeral of King Sukjong. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the exhibition of the rubbed copies of King Gwanggaeto the Great's stele. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Goryeo celadon openwork incense burner with seven treasures design (left) and the celadon ewer in the shape of a dragon-turtle, both designated as National Treasures. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows a Goryeo celadon ewer (jeongbyeong) and plum bottle (maebyeong). AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Silla gold crown excavated from Hwangnam Daechong in Gyeongju. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Silla King Jinheung’s Monument of Territorial Expansion on Bukhansan Mountain. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the Chimi, roof ridge ornaments excavated from Buyeo. AJP Cho bo-hee
This image shows the coffin ornaments from the Tomb of King Muyeol in Gongju. AJP Cho bo-hee
