▲This photo, provided by The Research Institute of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, shows the Gilt-bronze Buddhas. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲This photo, provided by The Research Institute of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, shows the iron bell. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

▲This photo, provided by The Research Institute of Buddhist Cultural Heritage, the piece of roof tile. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

SEOUL, August 30 (Yonhap) -- The Research Institute of Buddhist Cultural Heritage announced on August 29 that more than 10 pieces of gilt-bronze Buddha and relics were excavated from the historic site of a Buddhist temple at Gangmyeong-r in Haman, Gyeongsangnam-do. 
 
According to the recent investigation, there were four additional gilt-bronze Buddhas found, adding to the Goryeo Dynasty Gilt-bronze Buddhas excavated last year. All four were small Buddhist statutes, which are around 10cm. 
 
Observing the statues, there are slight differences in the folds of the garments, but all of the statues have their shoulders covered. The hem is draped under the stomach and runs down to the toe. The hands are held in the Abharand mudra with the right hand holding the Simuwoein(gesture of bestowing fearlessness) and the left hand holding the Yeowonin.
 
The Buddhist statues are made in the form of standing Buddhist statues, as it was popular during the ninth century, the end of the Unified Silla Dynasty. The statues are confirmed to be similar to gilt-bronze Buddhas excavated in Anapji in Gyeongju. Hwangnyongsa Temple Site in Gyeongju and Seollimwon Temple Site in Yangyang. 
 
Other than the Buddhist statues, a bell made out of iron, a wind-powered bell, and piece of roof tile on which is engraved the era name "Taepyeon" from the Tang Dynasty were found. These relics were useful to understand the situation of the dynasty. 

Based on these relics, it seems that this temple was built in the 8th century, rebuilt during the Goryeo Dynasty, and maintained until the end of the Goryeo Dynasty.
 

(This article is translated from Korean to English by Dowon Kim.)
 
 
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