During a rescue excavation in the historic Gyeongju Valley, researchers have discovered the lost foundations of a major Buddhist temple from the Unified Silla dynasty. The most significant find is a set of two pristine gilded bronze reliquaries (sarira caskets) found beneath the site of the central pagoda, containing glass beads and fragments of silk.
The temple, tentatively identified as 'Hwangnyongsa West,' features a unique 'twin-pagoda' layout that was fashionable during the 8th century. The intricate stone carvings on the base of the main hall depict guardian deities and heavenly musicians in a style that reflects the peak of Silla artistic achievement. The local government has announced plans to preserve the site as an open-air museum to showcase the region's Buddhist heritage.