3.1 Unified Silla architecture

Unified Silla architecture marked a golden age in Korean history, blending indigenous traditions with foreign influences. From 668 to 935 CE, distinctive styles emerged in religious and secular buildings, showcasing the kingdom's power and Buddhist faith.

Wood, stone, and advanced construction techniques defined Silla structures. Temples like Bulguksa and palaces like Wolseong exemplified the period's architectural achievements. Innovations in tomb design, city planning, and decorative elements left a lasting impact on Korean architectural traditions.

Overview of Unified Silla period

• Unified Silla (668-935 CE) marked a significant era in Korean history characterized by cultural flourishing and architectural advancements
• This period saw the development of distinctive Korean architectural styles, blending indigenous traditions with influences from China and other neighboring cultures
• Unified Silla architecture laid the foundation for many subsequent Korean architectural traditions, showcasing the kingdom's power and Buddhist faith

Architectural characteristics

Materials and construction techniques

Top images from around the web for Materials and construction techniques

• 

  Lap joint - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Ceramics of the Silla Kingdom in Östasiatiska museet - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  온돌 - 위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lap joint - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Ceramics of the Silla Kingdom in Östasiatiska museet - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Materials and construction techniques

• 

  Lap joint - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Ceramics of the Silla Kingdom in Östasiatiska museet - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  온돌 - 위키백과, 우리 모두의 백과사전 View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Lap joint - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Ceramics of the Silla Kingdom in Östasiatiska museet - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Extensive use of wood as the primary building material due to its abundance and flexibility
• Stone foundations employed to protect wooden structures from moisture and provide stability
• Advanced joinery techniques developed to create interlocking wooden structures without nails
• Ondol (underfloor heating) systems integrated into residential buildings for comfort during cold winters
• Tiled roofs with elaborate end tiles (chimi) became a hallmark of Silla architecture

Aesthetic principles

• Emphasis on harmony with natural surroundings, often incorporating landscape elements into architectural designs
• Use of vibrant colors in painted wooden elements, particularly red, blue, and green
• Graceful curved roof lines (cheoma) symbolizing the connection between heaven and earth
• Symmetry and balance in layout and design, reflecting Confucian ideals of order
• Intricate decorative elements, including carved stone reliefs and painted wooden panels

Chinese vs Korean influences

• Adoption of Tang dynasty architectural concepts, such as multi-story wooden pagodas
• Korean adaptation of Chinese bracket systems (gongpo) with unique local variations
• Development of distinctly Korean roof styles, including the double-eaved hip-and-gable roof (paljak)
• Incorporation of indigenous Korean motifs and symbols in decorative elements
• Modification of Chinese-style layout principles to suit local topography and climate

Buddhist temple architecture

Layout and design elements

• Axial arrangement of temple complexes with a central pagoda flanked by prayer halls
• Introduction of the three-hall layout (sambo) representing Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha
• Integration of natural landscape features, such as mountains and water bodies, into temple designs
• Use of stone lanterns (seokdeung) to mark pathways and illuminate temple grounds
• Incorporation of symbolic elements like lotus ponds and bridges representing Buddhist concepts

Notable temple complexes

• Bulguksa Temple, a masterpiece of Silla architecture showcasing various architectural innovations
• Seokguram Grotto, an artificial cave temple housing a monumental Buddha statue
• Hwangnyongsa Temple, once the largest wooden structure in East Asia (now destroyed)
• Bunhwangsa Temple, featuring one of the oldest surviving stone pagodas in Korea
• Gameunsa Temple site, known for its twin pagodas and unique architectural layout

Pagoda structures

• Evolution from earlier wooden pagodas to stone pagodas during the Unified Silla period
• Development of the distinctive Korean-style three-story stone pagoda
• Incorporation of symbolic elements, such as lotus flower motifs and Buddhist relics
• Use of precise stone-cutting and stacking techniques to ensure stability and longevity
• Variations in pagoda designs, including octagonal and multi-sided structures

Secular architecture

Palace complexes

• Wolseong Palace in Gyeongju, the royal residence of Silla kings, featuring multiple courtyards and halls
• Integration of gardens and water features within palace grounds for aesthetic and functional purposes
• Use of elevated stone platforms (dangjwa) to create hierarchical spaces within palace complexes
• Incorporation of defensive elements, such as walls and gates, to protect royal residences
• Adoption of Chinese-style architectural elements in throne halls and ceremonial buildings

Fortifications and city planning

• Construction of massive earthen ramparts and stone walls to protect cities and strategic locations
• Development of the unique mountain fortress (sanseong) system for defense and refuge
• Grid-based urban planning in the capital city of Gyeongju, influenced by Chinese models
• Creation of artificial ponds and gardens within city limits for both practical and aesthetic purposes
• Strategic placement of gates and watchtowers along city walls for surveillance and control

Residential buildings

• Hanok-style houses with wooden frames, clay walls, and thatched or tiled roofs
• L-shaped or U-shaped layouts to create inner courtyards for privacy and ventilation
• Gender-segregated spaces within households, reflecting Confucian social norms
• Integration of ondol heating systems in floor construction for winter comfort
• Use of sliding doors (changhoji) and windows to allow for flexible interior spaces

Silla tombs and burial mounds

Structure and design

• Large-scale earthen burial mounds (chong) housing stone chamber tombs
• Gradual transition from earlier wooden chamber tombs to stone-built structures
• Use of corbelling techniques to create dome-shaped ceilings in burial chambers
• Construction of multiple chambers within a single mound for royal family members
• Integration of drainage systems to protect tomb contents from moisture

Symbolic elements

• Placement of guardian figures and stone statues around tomb entrances for protection
• Inclusion of burial goods reflecting the deceased's status and beliefs about the afterlife
• Orientation of tombs based on geomantic principles and celestial alignments
• Use of symbolic shapes in tomb design, such as keyhole-shaped mounds
• Incorporation of stone turtle-shaped bases (apsidal) in some royal tombs

Notable examples

• Cheonmachong (Heavenly Horse Tomb) known for its exquisite gold crown and other artifacts
• The Great Tomb of Hwangnam, the largest Silla tomb complex with twin mounds
• Seobongchong, featuring well-preserved wall paintings and burial goods
• Gwaereung, a royal tomb complex showcasing the evolution of Silla burial practices
• The Seven Tombs of Gyeongju, a group of large royal tombs in the ancient capital

Architectural innovations

Engineering advancements

• Development of sophisticated stone-cutting and fitting techniques for pagoda construction
• Innovation in wooden joint systems to create more stable and flexible building structures
• Improvement of foundation technologies to support larger and taller buildings
• Advancements in roof truss designs to create more spacious interiors
• Introduction of new waterproofing methods for stone structures and foundations

New building types

• Creation of specialized structures for astronomical observations (Cheomseongdae)
• Development of multi-story pavilions (jeongja) for leisure and contemplation
• Introduction of covered bridges (gyo) combining functionality with aesthetic appeal
• Construction of large-scale artificial ponds (anapji) for both practical and ceremonial purposes
• Establishment of state-sponsored educational institutions with distinct architectural features

Adaptation of foreign styles

• Modification of Chinese-style bracket systems to suit local aesthetic preferences
• Incorporation of Central Asian decorative motifs in temple and palace architecture
• Adaptation of Indian stupa designs in the creation of Korean-style stone pagodas
• Integration of Tang dynasty garden design principles in palace and temple landscapes
• Reinterpretation of foreign architectural elements to create uniquely Korean styles

Cultural and religious influences

Buddhism's impact on architecture

• Proliferation of temple complexes as centers of religious, cultural, and educational activities
• Introduction of new architectural forms, such as prayer halls and meditation spaces
• Incorporation of Buddhist iconography and symbolism in building designs and decorations
• Development of monastic living quarters (jeonsa) within temple complexes
• Creation of specialized structures for storing and displaying Buddhist scriptures and relics

Confucian architectural elements

• Integration of Confucian principles of hierarchy and order in palace and government building layouts
• Adoption of ceremonial gates (hongsalmun) and screen walls (iljumun) in important buildings
• Incorporation of Confucian symbolism in decorative motifs and architectural elements
• Development of specialized structures for ancestral worship and rituals
• Influence on residential architecture, particularly in the separation of male and female spaces

Indigenous Korean traditions

• Continuation of prehistoric pit-house building techniques in some rural areas
• Incorporation of shamanistic elements in tomb architecture and burial practices
• Adaptation of traditional Korean roof styles in Buddhist and secular architecture
• Use of natural materials and construction techniques suited to the Korean climate
• Integration of geomantic principles (pungsu) in site selection and building orientation

Preservation and restoration

Surviving structures

• Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto, the best-preserved examples of Silla Buddhist architecture
• Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in East Asia
• Several stone pagodas, including those at Bulguksa and Bunhwangsa temples
• Remnants of palace structures and city walls in Gyeongju, the ancient Silla capital
• Numerous royal tombs and burial mounds in the Gyeongju area

Reconstruction efforts

• Ongoing restoration projects at major sites like Bulguksa Temple to maintain historical accuracy
• Reconstruction of destroyed wooden structures based on archaeological evidence and historical records
• Use of traditional materials and techniques in restoration work to preserve authenticity
• Digital reconstructions and virtual reality projects to visualize lost architectural heritage
• Collaboration between archaeologists, historians, and craftsmen in reconstruction efforts

Archaeological discoveries

• Excavation of Wolseong Palace site revealing new insights into Silla royal architecture
• Discovery of previously unknown temple sites and burial mounds through aerial surveys and ground-penetrating radar
• Unearthing of architectural elements and artifacts providing clues about construction techniques
• Ongoing excavations at Hwangnyongsa Temple site uncovering the foundations of this massive structure
• Analysis of buried roof tiles and other architectural fragments to understand decorative styles and manufacturing methods

Legacy and influence

Impact on later Korean architecture

• Continuation of Silla architectural principles in subsequent Goryeo and Joseon dynasties
• Influence on the development of Korean Buddhist architecture in later periods
• Lasting impact on Korean roof styles, particularly the curved eaves and ornate end tiles
• Persistence of ondol heating systems in Korean residential architecture to the present day
• Ongoing inspiration for contemporary Korean architects in blending tradition with modernity

Comparison with contemporaneous styles

• Similarities with Tang dynasty architecture in China, particularly in temple and palace designs
• Distinct Korean characteristics compared to Japanese architecture of the Asuka and Nara periods
• Shared Buddhist architectural elements with other East Asian cultures, adapted to local tastes
• Unique developments in stone pagoda design compared to wooden pagodas in China and Japan
• Parallels with other Korean Three Kingdoms period architecture, but with greater refinement and scale

UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Gyeongju Historic Areas, encompassing numerous Silla-period monuments and archaeological sites
• Seokguram Grotto and Bulguksa Temple, recognized for their outstanding universal value
• Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, featuring numerous Buddhist sculptures and archaeological remains
• Yangdong and Hahoe Folk Villages, preserving traditional Korean architecture influenced by Silla styles
• Potential for future World Heritage nominations of additional Silla-period sites and cultural landscapes