BUDDHIST PAINTINGS TAKEN BACK

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Valuable Buddhist paintings at Shinheungsa Temple in Gangwon-do Province were illegally taken out to the U.S. in the wake of the Korean War. Following their return to South Korea in August, the Buddhist works of art are now open to the public.

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A smiling Buddha is surrounded by eight bodhisattvas, ten disciples and several patron saints who seek his teachings. Titled "Youngsanhoesangdo," this massive Buddhist painting measures four meters in width and over three meters in height. On its sides are six paintings of ten kings who judge the dead in hell. These Buddhist works of art were illegally taken out to the U.S. shortly after the Korean War. But they returned to their homeland for the first time in 60 years. They are now open to the public.

[Soundbite] PARK CHAN-SOON(SOKCHO RESIDENT) : "I am 73 years old now. I was three years old when the Korean War broke out. I am really excited to see these paintings."

Youngsanghoesangdo was drawn in 1755 when the Joseon Dynasty was under the rule of King Youngjo. The masterpiece signifies the features of Buddhist paintings in the late Joseon period. It is also the oldest Buddhist painting to be found in Gangwon-do Province. After its disappearance in the wake of the Korean War, the artwork was discovered in the Los Angeles County Museum 14 years ago. At that time, it was found destroyed in six pieces. It returned to Shinheungsa Temple in this August in accordance with a repatriation agreement between the museum and South Korea's Buddhist order of Jogye.

[Soundbite] VEN. JISANG(SHINHEUNGSA TEMPLE) : "They were found damaged, but were repaired and restored, returning to their original form. I hope they will now bring good spirits to help the nation overcome the COVID-19 pandemic."

Upon their return, Shinheungsa held a Buddhist ritual to welcome the historical relics and console the the souls of soldiers fallen during the Korean War. It then moved the paintings to its museum. The artworks came back thanks to persistent efforts by local residents and the Buddhist circle. They will be open to the public until next month. It will be determined later whether or not to place them on permanent display after their conditions are precisely assessed.