The 2026 Gwaebul Exhibition at the National Museum of Korea

“Gwaebul of Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong”

Since 2006, the National Museum of Korea has organized a series of exhibitions on Gwaebul, large-scale Buddhist paintings traditionally used for outdoor rituals.

Gwaebul are displayed only on special occasions such as Buddha’s Birthday and are rarely accessible to the public. This year marks the 20th exhibition in the series, featuring the Gwaebul of Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong.

The featured work, Gwaebul of Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong (Treasure), was created in 1710 with the participation of 166 donors. Measuring over 8 meters in height and 6 meters in width, this monumental painting depicts the Vulture Peak Assembly (Yeongsan Assembly), where Shakyamuni Buddha delivers his teachings.

The composition is symmetrically structured, with the Buddha at the center, flanked by eight bodhisattvas and ten disciples, effectively conveying the core message of the sacred assembly.

More than 300 years ago, when this hanging scroll was displayed in the courtyard of the Daeungjeon Hall at Bongjeongsa Temple, worshippers gazed upon the Buddha and prayed for enlightenment.

We invite you to experience this extraordinary work at the Buddhist Painting Gallery of the National Museum of Korea, where you can reflect on and connect with the teachings of the Buddha.

Related Programs

Curator’s Talk: April 8 (Wed), 19:00–19:30 (Associate Curator, Fine Arts Department, Jiho Kim)

Curator’s Talk: May 20 (Wed), 18:00–18:30 (Associate Curator, Fine Arts Department, Giljung Han)