The Tripitaka Koreana woodblocks and their depositories at Haeinsa

Temple The Janggyeongpanjeon (National Treasure No. 52) at Haeinsa Temple is the repository of the woodblocks used to print the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No. 32).

The repository is the oldest building at Haeinsa Temple, having never been damaged by fire or war since it was first constructed in 1488, during the early Joseon period (1392-1910). It has thus―almost miraculously―protected the Tripitaka Koreana for centuries. The building is not only beautiful architecturally but is unique in that its design allows for natural ventilation as well as temperature and humidity control.

The canon, the oldest and most comprehensive compilation of Buddhist scripture in existence today, was carved on 81,340 woodblocks between 1236 and 1251, during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), and is estimated to contain no fewer than 52 million Chinese characters in the Ou Yang-hsiu style of calligraphy.

The characters on each block are uniform as if carved by a single hand―a testimony to the advanced engraving techniques of the time. Each block averages 69.5cm in width and 23.9cm in height. They generally contain 23 rows of 14 characters each. An invaluable resource for Buddhist studies throughout the world, the canon served as the standard for the newly-revised edition of Japan's canon and was also reintroduced into China. In addition, it has been sent to England, America, France, Germany and other Western nations where it plays an important role in international Buddhist research.