A Special Space for the Sixteen Arhats: Return to the Sacred Grounds

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A special space where the sixteen arhats gather.

<Return to the Sacred Grounds: Jeonju Seogosa Arhats>

- Exhibition Period: September 16, 2026 (Wed) ~ November 29, 2026 (Sun)

- Venue: National Jeonju Museum Exhibition Hall

- Admission Fee: Free

Comfortable space accessible to everyone.

‘National Jeonju Museum’

On sunny days with a gentle breeze, it's perfect for a weekend outing. I heard about a special exhibition titled <Return to the Sacred Grounds: Jeonju Seogosa Arhats> at the National Jeonju Museum and was curious about what stories it would unfold, so I decided to visit.

I used the spacious parking lot at the National Jeonju Museum. There are designated parking spaces for people with disabilities and a stroller and wheelchair rental service nearby, making it accessible for all visitors.

The museum is open for free, and during this lovely autumn season, many families and kindergarten children were enjoying picnics around the outdoor areas of the museum, surrounded by trees adorned with autumn leaves. It seemed like a perfect spot to relax and soak in the fall atmosphere.

The special exhibition <Return to the Sacred Grounds: Jeonju Seogosa Arhats> is co-hosted by the National Jeonju Museum and Seogosa. This exhibition narrates the long journey of eight of the sixteen arhat statues, which were stolen and later recovered, returning to their sacred place.

The term 'arhat' refers to someone who has attained enlightenment and is said to remain on Earth to uphold the teachings of Buddhism, postponing their entry into nirvana.

The exhibition begins in a dark space illuminated by moonlight, where the sound of a barking Sapsal dog echoes softly. The location depicted in the video is Hwangbangsan, where Seogosa is situated, named after the belief that the dog barks to ward off disasters.

Part 1: Seogosa Temple, Hwangbangsan

The exhibition is divided into three parts. Part 1 introduces the history and cultural heritage of Seogosa. I first examined the <Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam>, a book that expands on the <Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam> compiled by scholars like Noh Sahsin, containing geographical information and literature from across the country.

There was also a seated stone Buddha and a bronze bell on display. The bell has an inscription indicating that it was repaired at Seogosa in February of the Year of Gyeongin, showcasing the long history of Seogosa.

A map centered on Jeonju was also available, depicting the region's topography and landmarks such as Seogosa, Namgo Fortress, Omokdae, and Hanbyeokdang, helping visitors visualize the historical landscape of Jeonju.

Part 2: Contemplation, Observing the Arhats

In front of the Buddhist statues, people express their wishes, a practice that dates back to our ancestors who created and worshipped arhat statues.

Entering the section displaying the sixteen arhat statues, I felt a solemnity and weight that lingered in my memory. Although they were smaller than I expected, each statue conveyed a significant presence.

The wall displayed the timeline of the journey from theft to recovery, making it engaging to identify the eight stolen statues, which were visibly worn and damaged, prompting deep reflection.

Part 3: Containing Aspirations and Wishes

This section showcased the offerings, scriptures, and other items placed within the arhat statues. It was enlightening to learn about the significance of these items in Buddhist culture.

The final part of the exhibition featured an interactive zone where visitors could engage in activities related to the arhat statues, making it accessible and enjoyable for families with children.

As a recommendation for autumn exhibitions in Jeonbuk, I introduced the special exhibition <Return to the Sacred Grounds: Jeonju Seogosa Arhats> at the National Jeonju Museum. As autumn deepens, consider creating precious memories with friends, partners, or children at this museum filled with enriching experiences.

Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224441101290

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