Grades of National Cultural Properties of Korea and the Meaning of National Treasures 1 to 10

Grades of Korea's Designated National Cultural Properties

Korea's designated national cultural properties are classified into several grades. Each grade is designated based on the importance and need for protection of the cultural properties.

1. National Treasure

   • Definition: Cultural properties of the highest historical, artistic, and academic value.
   • Characteristics: These are symbolic national heritage items that receive the highest level of protection and management.
   • Examples: Sungnyemun Gate, Bulguksa Dabotap Pagoda, Silla Golden Crown.

2. Treasure

   • Definition: Cultural properties of high historical, artistic, and academic value, second only to national treasures.
   • Characteristics: These treasures are slightly less significant than national treasures but still require substantial protection and management.
   • Examples: Gilt-bronze Maitreya in Meditation, Goryeo Celadon.

3. Historic Site

   • Definition: Places of historical significance related to important events or figures.
   • Characteristics: These sites are associated with specific historical events, people, or structures.
   • Examples: Gyeongju Wolseong, Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites.

4. Scenic Site

   • Definition: Areas with beautiful landscapes and significant cultural value.
   • Characteristics: These include natural sceneries that also have historical and cultural backgrounds.
   • Examples: Seoraksan Mountain, Hallasan Mountain.

5. Natural Monument

   • Definition: Natural phenomena, animals, plants, and geological formations of high academic, historical, and scenic value.
   • Characteristics: These are protected for their natural heritage value.
   • Examples: Jindo Dog, Hallasan Mountain Fir Tree.

6. Important Intangible Cultural Property

   • Definition: Traditional performing arts, crafts, and other intangible cultural assets of significant value.
   • Characteristics: These represent human creativity and tradition.
   • Examples: Pansori, Kimchi-making culture, Hanji (Korean traditional paper) making.

7. Important Folklore Cultural Property

• Definition: Items and places that reflect traditional lifestyles, customs, and rituals.
• Characteristics: These cultural properties are valuable for understanding traditional folk life.
• Examples: Jeju Haenyeo (female divers), Andong Hahoe Village.

The Difference Between National Treasures and Treasures

Many people wonder about the difference between national treasures and treasures. Both categories are important cultural properties designated by the state, but there are subtle distinctions.

• National Treasures are cultural properties of exceptional historical, artistic, or academic value. They are considered unique in their respective fields and are often irreplaceable. Examples include the Sungnyemun Gate and the Silla Golden Crown. The designation is not based on strict numerical criteria or explicit legal standards but rather on the overall significance and uniqueness of the property.

• Treasures are also of high historical, artistic, or academic value but are more representative rather than unique. They serve as significant examples of their kind but may not have the same singular distinction as national treasures. For instance, Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun) is designated as Treasure No. 1, while Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) is National Treasure No. 1. Although both are important gates of the Joseon Dynasty, Sungnyemun was designated a national treasure likely due to its central role and historical significance.

The distinction between national treasures and treasures is somewhat fluid, influenced by historical context, cultural importance, and the condition of the artifacts. The designation can sometimes reflect the order in which items were discovered or recognized, rather than an absolute measure of their value.

The Meaning of the Top 10 National Treasures

Here are the top 10 national treasures of Korea and their significance. Each of these treasures represents a different era and holds great cultural heritage value for Korea.

National Treasure No. 1: Sungnyemun Gate (Seoul)

• Name in Korean: 서울 숭례문 (서울 崇禮門)
• Significance: The main gate of Hanyang (modern-day Seoul) during the Joseon Dynasty, located in the center of Seoul.
• Value: A representative example of early Joseon architecture and a crucial heritage of Korean architectural history.

Sungnyemun Gate

National Treasure No. 2: Ten-story Stone Pagoda at Wongaksa Temple Site (Seoul)

• Name in Korean: 서울 원각사지 십층석탑 (서울 圓覺寺址 十層石塔)
• Significance: A pagoda from the Joseon Dynasty, showcasing the transition from late Goryeo to early Joseon pagoda styles.
• Value: The intricate carvings and unique style demonstrate the advanced stone pagoda construction techniques of the time.

Ten-story Stone Pagoda

National Treasure No. 3: Monument on Bukhansan Mountain Commemorating the Border Inspection by King Jinheung of Silla (Seoul)

• Name in Korean: 서울 북한산 신라 진흥왕 순수비 (서울 北漢山 新羅 眞興王 巡狩碑)
• Significance: A stele erected by King Jinheung of Silla to commemorate his inspection tour and territorial expansion.
• Value: An important historical record commemorating Silla's territorial expansion and political achievements.

Monument

National Treasure No. 4: Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site (Yeoju)

• Name in Korean: 여주 고달사지 승탑 (驪州 高達寺址 僧塔)
• Significance: A stupa from the Goryeo period, representing the era's Buddhist relics.
• Value: Demonstrates the Goryeo Dynasty's Buddhist culture and stonework craftsmanship.

Stupa at Godalsa Temple Site

National Treasure No. 5: Twin Lion Stone Lantern of Beopjusa Temple (Boeun)

• Name in Korean: 보은 법주사 쌍사자 석등 (報恩 法住寺 雙獅子 石燈)
• Significance: A stone lantern from the Unified Silla period, notable for its twin lion base.
• Value: Exemplifies the artistry and symbolism of Unified Silla's Buddhist stone lanterns.

Twin Lion Stone Lantern

National Treasure No. 6: Seven-story Stone Pagoda in Tappyeong-ri (Chungju)

• Name in Korean: 충주 탑평리 칠층석탑 (忠州 塔坪里 七層石塔)
• Significance: A pagoda from the Unified Silla period, demonstrating the era's architectural sophistication.
• Value: A significant representation of Unified Silla's pagoda construction techniques and religious devotion.

Seven-story Stone Pagoda

National Treasure No. 7: Stele for the Construction of Bongseonhonggyeongsa Temple (Cheonan)

• Name in Korean: 천안 봉선홍경사 갈기비 (天安 奉先弘慶寺 碣記碑)
• Significance: A stele from the Goryeo period, commemorating the construction of Bongseonhonggyeongsa Temple.
• Value: Provides historical insights into the temple's construction and Goryeo Dynasty's Buddhist culture.

Stele for the Construction

National Treasure No. 8: Stele of Buddhist Monk Nanghye at Seongjusa Temple Site (Boryeong)

• Name in Korean: 보령 성주사지 대낭혜화상탑비 (保寧 聖住寺址 大朗慧和尙塔碑)
• Significance: A stele from the Unified Silla period, commemorating the Buddhist monk Nanghye.
• Value: Highlights the religious and cultural contributions of Monk Nanghye and Unified Silla's epigraphy.

Stele of Buddhist Monk Nanghye

National Treasure No. 9: Five-story Stone Pagoda at Jeongnimsa Temple Site (Buyeo)

• Name in Korean: 부여 정림사지 오층석탑 (扶餘 定林寺址 五層石塔)
• Significance: A pagoda from the Baekje period, representing the era's Buddhist architecture.
• Value: Demonstrates the Baekje Dynasty's architectural ingenuity and religious significance.

Five-story Stone Pagoda

National Treasure No. 10: Three-story Stone Pagoda at Baekjangam Hermitage of Silsangsa Temple (Namwon)

• Name in Korean: 남원 실상사 백장암 삼층석탑 (南原 實相寺 百丈庵 三層石塔)
• Significance: A pagoda from the Unified Silla period, known for its balanced and harmonious design.
• Value: A symbolic piece of Unified Silla's architectural beauty and Buddhist devotion.

Three-story Stone Pagoda

Conclusion