Editorial photo #14004758 Human Interest

Haeinsa Temple Preserves The Tripitaka Koreana Through Traditional Recarving And Printing

Venerable Hye Il, abbot of Haeinsa Temple, holds a meeting with foreign journalists at Haeinsa Temple on July 24, 2026, in Hapcheon, South Korea. Haeinsa, one of South Korea's three major Buddhist temples, is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Janggyeong Panjeon Depositories, which house the UNESCO Memory of the World-listed Tripitaka Koreana (Daejanggyeong). The temple says it is preparing a long-term project to recarve a complete new set of the Tripitaka Koreana using traditional techniques, with an official announcement expected later this year. The project is intended not to replace the original woodblocks but to create a new set as a safeguard against potential loss from war, natural disasters or other unforeseen events. Haeinsa says the initiative also seeks to carry forward the spiritual purpose of the original Tripitaka Koreana -- which was carved during the Goryeo Dynasty in hopes of overcoming national crisis -- by promoting peace, harmony and the well-being of humanity through Buddhist practice. The temple plans to invite participation regardless of nationality, religion or language. (Photo by Chris Jung/NurPhoto)