Eventhough the Korean historical drama of the first queen of Silla who led the unification of old Korea (Silla, Goguryeo, and Baekje), Queen Seon Deok has finished airing in Korea for a while. International fans are now getting to appreciate the making of this series, especially getting to know the first brave female ruler of ancient Korea.

     I’ve just found a very interesting document which is the painting that is believed to be the actual Queen Seon Deok painted by a monk.  It was found in a temple in Jeju island which is called Seon Deok Sa located in Halla San’s eastern slope.

     This painting is believed to probably be the historical Seon Deok Yeo Wang (Goodness-Virtue Queen) of Silla who reigned during 632-647. The Queen hadgreat influence in Korean Buddhism as she strongly promoted, Buddhism, the new foreign religion at that era. She sponsored the foundation of many great temples in the current Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces.

Silla's Gold Crown

          The above picture shows the ancient Silla’s gold crown found in a royal tomb in Gyeongju. It is now one of South Korea’s National Treasures.