The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage (NRICH; General Director Kim Yeonsoo), an affiliate of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, will be offering high-resolution images of gwaebul (large Buddhist hanging scrolls) designated as treasures or national treasures to the public through the NRICH Research Portal (https://portal.nrich.go.kr) starting September 18.

These high-resolution images being made available online were created as part of the “In-depth Research Project of Large Buddhist Paintings (2015–2024)” being undertaken by the Cultural Heritage Administration, the NRICH, and the Research Institute of Sungbo Cultural Heritage. The NRICH Research Portal is releasing photos of the forty-seven gwaebul paintings that have been already investigated, including the example at Jungnimsa Temple (Shakyamuni Buddha), from among the sixty-two gwaebul paintings designated as treasures or national treasures. 

The term ‘gwaebul’ refers to Buddhist paintings produced for use during large-scale outdoor Buddhist rituals. They are over ten meters high and typically depict a scene of the Buddha preaching. These gwaebul paintings marked by their massive sizes, brilliant colors, and delicate depictions have no parallels anywhere else in the world and make up part of the invaluable cultural heritage of Korea. However, due to their overwhelming sizes, these paintings have not been easy to access by the public.

This portal allowing easy access to high-resolution images of gwaebul paintings invites everyone to observe the artistic value of these beautiful paintings with their own eyes. It is hoped that it will provide an ample opportunity for the global community to enjoy and appreciate the treasured cultural heritage of Korea.

To meet the needs of the digital era, the NRICH will continue to digitalize a wide variety of scholarly information and research materials and fully engage in facilitating their accessibility.