The Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok was cast to be rung at Bongdeoksa Temple in Gyeongju, which was founded to honor the spirit of Silla King Seongdeok(r. 702-737) of the Silla period. After the temple was ruined, it was moved to Yeongmyosa Temple, the old Gyeongju National Museum, and finally to its present location in 1975.
It is generally held that the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok is the most beautiful bell ever made in Korea. Indeed, its form, the carvings decorating its surface and its lovely sound make the bell one of the finest artistic and cultural objects of its kind in the world. The image of a person offering incense burner carved at the center of the bell attracts the viewer with its elaborate, luxuriate ornamentation.
It is generally held that the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok is the most beautiful bell ever made in Korea. Indeed, its form, the carvings decorating its surface and its lovely sound make the bell one of the finest artistic and cultural objects of its kind in the world. The image of a person offering incense burner carved at the center of the bell attracts the viewer with its elaborate, luxuriate ornamentation.