Gyeongdeok of Silla

Gyeongdeok of Silla
Hangul	경덕왕
Hanja	景德王
Revised Romanization	Gyeongdeok Wang
McCune–Reischauer	Kyŏngdŏk Wang
Birth name
Hangul	김헌영
Hanja	金憲英
Revised Romanization	Gim Heon-yeong
McCune–Reischauer	Kim Hŏnyŏng

Monarchs of Korea Silla (Post-unification)

Munmu 661–681 Sinmun 681–691 Hyoso 692–702 Seongdeok 702–737 Hyoseong 737–742 Gyeongdeok 742–765 Hyegong 765–780 Seondeok 780–785 Wonseong 785–798 Soseong 798–800 Aejang 800–809 Heondeok 809–826 Heungdeok 826–836 Huigang 836–838 Minae 838–839 Sinmu 839 Munseong 839–857 Heonan 857–861 Gyeongmun 861–875 Heongang 875–886 Jeonggang 886–887 Jinseong 887–897 Hyogong 897–912 Sindeok 912–917 Gyeongmyeong 917–924 Gyeongae 924–927 Gyeongsun 927–935

King Gyeongdeok of Silla was the 35th ruler who reigned from 742 to 765 over the kingdom of Silla. He is perhaps best known today for his efforts to encourage Buddhism.

The Bulguksa Temple was built by his orders in 751. He also built Seokguram Grotto, which also included Buddhist art. The grotto has features relevant to the pre-existing shamanistic religion as well. Lastly, he commissioned the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok, named for his father. This bell was finished after his own death during the reign of his son, King Hyegong. It is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist art.

See also

• Silla
• Korean Buddhism
• Korean shamanism
• List of Korean monarchs
• List of Silla people

References