Exploring the National Museum of Korea’s Treasured Bodhisattvas

The National Museum of Korea lies within walking distance from my residence, nestled among serene bamboo groves and pagodas. Inside, the Room of Quiet Contemplation showcases two of the country’s most valued artworks. These are gilt-bronze bodhisattva statues, one from the early seventh century and another from the sixth century.

Both statues rest on a circular platform in a subdued, dimly lit environment. The ambient sounds foster a sense of deep space, both outer and inner, playing repeatedly in the background. The statues exude an elegant simplicity through their graceful outlines and cascading robes. With eyes half-closed and faint smiles, two fingers gently touch their right cheeks. Their right legs fold beneath them while their left legs extend toward the ground.

Their expressions, according to specialists in Buddhism and Buddhist art, reflect deep contemplation on life’s impermanence. The smiles signify a realization of truth. The leg positions represent a shift into action to liberate all sentient beings. Visitors can scan a code to hear insights from Blackpink’s vocalist, Jisoo, who explains that this Buddhist statue embodies aspirations from an era of change and anxiety. It continues to soothe and calm observers even today.

The museum has effectively combined South Korean pop culture with innovative digital and physical displays. As a result, it ranked as the third-most visited museum worldwide last year. It attracted more visitors than all but the Louvre in Paris and the Vatican Museums.