Detail

Korea constructed numerous Buddhism temples after accepting diverse religious sects of Chinese Mahayana Buddhism during the 7th to 9th centuries. Among them, a total of seven monasteries located in famous mountains around Korea have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Korea Post is issuing the commemorative stamp series The Historic Architecture in Korea (Buddhist Mountain Monasteries) featuring four monasteries of great importance for Buddhists. Located in Cheondeungsan Mountain in Andong, Bongjeongsa Temple currently features the Geungnakjeon Hall, the oldest wooden building built in the Goryeo dynasty, as well as the Daeungjeon Hall, built in the early Joseon dynasty and a national treasure, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong that has been designated as a tangible cultural heritage of Gyeongsangbuk-do. The stamp features the Daeungjeon Hall, which is the main Buddhist hall of Bongjeongsa Temple. Located in Bonghwangsan Mountain in Yeongju, there is Buseoksa Temple having Paljak Jibung. It is one of the representative structures that clearly show basics of Jusimpo style, which has low amount of decorative elements. The Muryangsujeon Hall is the central building of the temple. The stamp features the Beomjongru and Anyangru Pavillions of Buseoksa Temple. Magoksa Temple is nestled in Taehwasan Mountain in Gongju. The main Buddhist hall of Magoksa Temple is the Daegwangbojeon Hall, and the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Magoksa Temple, Gongju in front is the oldest relic and treasure in existence of Korea. The stamp features the Daeungbojeon Hall, which is a two-story building that is located behind the Daegwangbojeon Hall. It is a valuable historical source in the architectural history of Korea. Seonamsa Temple is located at the foot of Jogyesan Mountain in Suncheon. Along with Daeungjeon Temple, there are East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas of Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon that are designated as national treasures of Korea,. The decorative architectural style of the Daeungjeon Hall has both academical and historical value. The stamp features the Daeungjeon Hall and Wontongjeon Hall of Seonamsa Temple. This commemorative stamp series is issued in two different types—a full sheet and a souvenir sheet—to show important buildings of Korean temples. In the borders of each sheet, there are traditional multicolored paintwork of the Geungnakjeon Hall in Bongjeongsa Temple, and the Gangseollu Pavilion under the Seungseongyo Bridge of Seonamsa Temple, respectively. We hope this commemorative stamp series serves as an opportunity to inspire you to visit Buddhist mountain monasteries to experience Korea`s unique temples.