[Photo] “Smile of Silla” roof tile to be designated National Treasure

A roof tile from the Silla Kingdom (57 BCE-935 CE) that was excavated in Gyeongju during the Japanese Occupation (1910-1945) is set to become a designated national treasure. Commonly known as the “Smile of Silla” because of its depiction of a smiling face, the roof tile is believed to have been made in the seventh century. It was taken to Japan during the occupation but returned to Korean soil in 1972. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced that the Smile of Silla will be named a national treasure along with five other artifacts, including a bronze gong from Gyeongseon Temple from the 13th century. (photos provide by the Cultural Heritage Administration)