Shilla-Era Buddha Statues Discovered in N.Gyeongsang Province

Seven standing gilt-bronze Buddha statues dating back to the Unified Shilla Kingdom have been found in Mungyeong, North Gyeongsang Province.

The Yeongnam Institute of Cultural Heritage said on Thursday that the statues were excavated at what used to be a Buddhist temple in the Chosun Dynasty era, according to ancient writings and maps.

A lamp and a flag reading "Kwanglim Temple" were also found at the location.

Researchers expect the exquisitely crafted statues to serve as valuable resources for the study and research of Buddhist sculpture in Korea.