Execution Site and a Rain of Flowers

This is the Monument to the Martyrdom of Ichadon made in the 6th century. Ichadon contributed to the propagation of Buddhism throughout the Silla kingdom. Just as early Christians were persecuted for their beliefs, it was initially difficult for Buddhism to gain acceptance in Silla.

When Buddhism was first introduced to Silla, the provincial nobility persecuted Buddhists with the aim of preserving their own folk religion. Nevertheless, Ichadon built a Buddhist temple and was subsequently executed. At the moment of his death, he predicted that a miracle from Buddha would occur and became a martyr for Buddhism.

In front of the monument, there is a sculpture depicting the martyrdom of Ichadon. Let’s have a look. Can you see his resolute expression? Instead of red blood, the sculpture shows white blood rising up to the sky. The wave pattern under his feet symbolizes the earth itself shaking and mourning his death. The rain of flowers falling from heaven honors his noble sacrifice.

Deeply moved by the martyrdom of Ichadon, the people of Silla started to accept Buddhism as a valid religion. This is how Buddhism became the national religion of Silla, and even today Buddhism remains one of the most popular religions in Korea.