Global Treasures: Haeinsa

Television Director: Ullman, Frank

Producer: Scarson, Peter O.

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Catalogue Number: GTR-DVD-1272

UPC: 883629689272

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Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. Our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Surrounded by the wonderful wilderness of Gaya Mountain is one of the most beautiful temple complexes in South Korea, the Haeinsa Temple. Indeed, the unique value of the Haeinsa Temple and its many treasures has now been recognized by UNESCO, who have designated it as a World Heritage Site.

The most precious treasure of the sanctuary is located in a special section of the complex. The Tripitaka Koreana is the largest, oldest and most well-preserved collection of Buddhist text in the whole of East Asia, and for several centuries its 80,000 wooden printing plates have been stored in the temple complex.

Traditional drum ceremonies play an important part in the daily life of Haeinsa's religious community, and it is more than likely that the resonance of the drums will always fill the most famous Buddhist sanctuary in South Korea with their historic sounds.