Science and Technology in the Silla Heritage Modern development in science and technology occurred mostly in the West. But during ancient times, various developments were made in science and technology in many countries outside of the West. In that sense, this series of lectures aims to obtain better understanding of the development in science and technology in the Silla dynasty through scientific and technological analysis of Silla cultural properties. The lecture series will cover major cultural heritage of Silla: Bulguksa, Seokguram, Cheomseongdae, Poseokjeong, the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok, and metallurgy. Six topics in total. Professor Kim, Kang-Tae Dept. of Mathematics Hello. My name is Kim, Kang-Tae. I'm a professor in mathematics. I will give lectures on Bulguksa and Seokguram. Bulguksa is a temple located on the southwest side of Tohamsan Mountain and is the most famous temple in Korea. This temple, which symbolizes Buddha's country, is the epitome of science and technology of Unified Silla. During the lecture, I will focus on the facade of the temple, and use mathematics to introduce a mathematical perspective in appreciating the temple. Another lecture that I'll give is on Seokguram. Most other lectures about Seokguram focus on structure and architecture. However, the science and technology applied in Seokguram is much more profound. Therefore, I'm going to discuss in my lecture a mathematical perspective on Seokguram using projective geometry which is often used in art and architecture. Professor Youm, Young Il Dept. of Mechanical Engineering Hello. My name is Youm, Young Il. I'll give lectures on Cheomseongdae and Poseokjeong. Cheomseongdae is well-known to us generally as an astronomical observatory. You might be surprised to hear that a nine-character phrase in Samguk Yusa is the only mention of Cheomseongdae in historical records. During the lecture, together we will look at the political backdrop at the time of Queen Seondeok who ordered the construction of Cheomseongdae and was the first queen of Korea. We will also look at various theories about its purpose and its design that combines masterful architectural engineering with remarkable aesthetics and ensures outstanding earthquake resistance. Poseokjeong is often associated with the fall of Silla. In the lecture on Poseokjeong, we will talk about its historical background and also the origin of meandering watercourses for floating wine-cups, which is what Poseokjeong is. In addition, we will look at the unique application of fluid mechanics hidden in the design of Poseokjeong. Professor Lee, Chung Hyeong Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences Hello. I'm Lee, Chung Hyeong of POSTECH Humanities and Social Sciences. 1,200 years ago, an enormous bronze bell as heavy as 19 tons was built in Gyeongju, Silla. The biggest Buddhist bell existing in Korea that still sounds as grand and beautiful as ever, it's the Sacred Bell of Great King Seongdeok. For the people of 1,200 years ago to manage to build such a large and elegant bell, what technical difficulties did they have to overcome? How did they overcome them? And what particular things did they do to enable such clear and marvelous sound? These questions will be discussed in my lecture. There is a sad legend about the bell. The bell is also called the Emile ("mommy") Bell. The legend says that to complete the bell, they had to sacrifice a baby. Can this legend be true? Scientific evidence that can show whether the legend is true or not will also be discussed during the lecture. Professor Im, Gyeong-Soon Dept. of Humanities and Social Sciences Of many Silla scientific heritage, I'll be giving a lecture on metallurgy. Hello, I'm Im, Gyeong-Soon. Silla had an exquisite and rich metal culture and produced diverse metal items. Outstanding bronze alloy techniques used in building Buddhist bells, ability to make iron weapons and farming tools, and refined sculpture techniques and impressive application of science in Buddhist statues: these are difficult to replicate even with modern science and technology. Through the major metal artifacts of Silla, we will be able to better understand the scientific knowledge and wisdom of the Silla people. Accompany the four of us in a scientific expedition back to Silla. Shall we depart now?
