The Palman Daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana), designated National Treasure of Korea No. 32, will be available for public display from June 19 every weekend at Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. The photo shows the Buddhist scriptures' depository at the temple. (Cultural Heritage Administration)

By Lee Jihae

The Palman Daejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana), the world's oldest surviving Buddhist texts, from June 19 will be publicly displayed every weekend at Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province.

The Venerable Jin-gak, head of the temple's administrative department, told a news conference on June 3 at the Memorial Hall for Korean Buddhist History and Culture, "From June 19, the pilgrimage program for the Palman Daejanggyeong's depository will be held twice daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday."

The compilation of the Tripitaka Koreana began in 1236, the 23rd year of Goryeo Dynasty King Gojong's reign, and was completed in 1251. Though select Buddhists had been allowed to see the woodblocks before at Buddhist ceremonies or gatherings on a limited basis, this will be the first time for the cultural treasure to be viewed by the public.

The term "Daejanggyeong" refers to a compilation of Buddhist scriptures. "Palman" means "80,000," as the Tripitaka Koreana consists of about 80,000 woodblocks with 84,000 teachings.

The scriptures were made to unite public sentiment and defeat Mongol invaders of Goryeo with Buddha's strength.

The scriptures are designated National Treasure of Korea No. 32 and Janggyeong Panjeon, the wooden structure that houses them, was named a UNESCO World Heritage in 1995.

To see the historical relic in person, visit the temple's website (haeinsa.or.kr) and click the banner saying "Reservation for pilgrimage to see Palman Daejanggyeong" in Korean. Bookings are accepted until noon every Monday.

Visitors are designated on a first-come, first-served basis. Those selected will receive notifications via text messages on their cell phones on the afternoon of the day they made reservations.

Each time slot can accommodate 10-20 visitors, with a limit of one reservation per person. Children younger than elementary school students are not allowed on the tours.

Each tour will last 40-50 minutes.

jihlee08@korea.kr