Hwang Byung-kwan (1919-52) may not be a widely recognized name in Korean wrestling today, but his story embodies the unwavering spirit of resilience and sportsmanship that resonates through the ages.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Tomb of King Heungdeok, the 42nd monarch (r. 826-836) of the Silla Kingdom, nestled in the outskirts of Angang Township in Gyeongju. The tomb contains some masterpieces, including 12 zodiac figures carved on stone panels that encircle the mound. The surrounding areas of the tomb have also yielded a wealth of cultural artifacts, such as a stone tablet that was placed on a tortoise and provides valuable insights into the ancient history and culture of Silla.
Although I am not Buddhist, my enthusiastic interest in Korean Buddhist heritage has led me to explore many ancient temples, hermitages, and all things about Korean Buddhist art and culture. My family is from Gyeongju, the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom, and I am fortunate that my father, Choe Nam-ju, was a pioneer of Korean archaeology.