Korean Buddhist Wind Chimes : Punggyeong

In the Korean temples, there are small species that is attached to the eaves and shaped like a fish is called a Punggyeong(풍경, literally meaning "wind bell") because it is a species that makes sounds by the force of nature, that is, by the wind, not by artificial tapping like a bell.

Korean Buddhist Wind Chimes: Punggyeong (풍경)

The reason for attaching the shape of a fish to the bell

Fish do not close their eyes when they sleep. According to Buddhist legend, the practitioner that they must always open their eyes wisely like fish, eliminate laziness and time spent blankly, and always focus on practice.

Korean Buddhist wind chimes, known as punggyeong (풍경, literally meaning "wind bell") or alternatively pungtak (풍탁 in academic contexts), are intricate decorative and functional elements commonly found adorning the eaves of Buddhist temples in Korea. These wind chimes are typically small bells suspended from the corners of temple roofs, designed to produce gentle, melodic sounds when stirred by the wind. Often featuring a fish-shaped clapper or weight, they are not merely ornamental but carry profound symbolic and practical significance within Korean Buddhism. 

Before give you a more detailed explanation, We would like to inform you that the punggyeong (풍경, literally meaning "wind bell") introduced in this article was filmed at Silsangsa Temple in the Millennium Temple located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do (September 8, 2025), Korea.

Origin and History

The origins of Korean wind chimes can be traced back to ancient Buddhist traditions that likely entered Korea from China during the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE–668 CE), when Buddhism was first introduced to the Korean peninsula. Buddhism arrived in Korea around the 4th century CE, bringing with it various ritual objects and architectural elements, including early forms of wind bells. These were influenced by Chinese prototypes, where wind chimes (known as fēng líng in Chinese) were used in temples to ward off evil spirits and create harmonious sounds. In Korea, the wind chime evolved into a distinct form, adapting to local craftsmanship and Buddhist interpretations.

Usage in Temples

In Korean Buddhist temples, punggyeong are primarily hung under the eaves of main halls, pagodas, and other structures, often at the four corners to ensure balanced sound distribution. They are positioned to catch the wind easily, producing soft, tinkling tones that resonate through the temple grounds. This placement is practical for creating an ambient auditory environment that enhances meditation and rituals. Unlike larger temple bells (such as the famous Bell of King Seongdeok), which are struck manually for signaling gatherings, mealtimes, or ceremonies, wind chimes are passive instruments activated solely by natural breezes.

Their usage extends beyond mere decoration. In some cases, wind chimes are attached to the ends of roof stones on stone pagodas or even to the crowns of Buddha statues, as seen in the Stone Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva at Gwanchoksa Temple in Nonsan, where they adorn the four corners. They come in two main shapes: bell-shaped (jonghyeong), resembling traditional temple bells or cylindrical forms, and trapezoid-shaped (jehyeong), with diamond or square bases and curved or straight sides. The clapper inside is struck by the movement of the fish-shaped weight, generating sound that can vary from delicate chimes to deeper resonances depending on the material (often bronze or gilt-bronze) and design.

Practically, these wind chimes contribute to the temple's serene atmosphere, helping to drown out distractions and foster a sense of tranquility during daily monastic life. They are integral to the overall temple ecosystem, complementing other percussive instruments like wooden fish gongs (moktak), which are used during chanting to maintain rhythm and alertness. In rituals, the spontaneous sounds of punggyeong are believed to serve as offerings to the Buddha, enhancing the spiritual ambiance without requiring human intervention.

Symbolic Meanings and Cultural/Religious Significance

The symbolic depth of punggyeong is rooted in Buddhist philosophy, particularly emphasizing vigilance, enlightenment, and impermanence. The fish-shaped clapper is a key element, drawing from a Buddhist fable about a monk's disciple who, after neglecting his training, was reborn as a fish with a tree growing from its back as karmic punishment. Upon repenting, this story inspired the creation of fish-shaped Buddhist utensils, including wind chimes, to remind practitioners of the consequences of laziness. Fish are auspicious in Buddhism, symbolizing abundance, liberation, and unrestricted freedom, as they swim freely in water. Crucially, fish are thought to never close their eyes—even in sleep or death—representing constant wakefulness and awareness. Thus, the wind chime's fish urges monks and practitioners to remain vigilant against sloth, always striving in their spiritual cultivation (jeongjin, or diligent practice).

The sound itself holds religious significance: according to Buddhist texts like Yiqie Jing Yinyi (The Sounds and Meanings in the Scriptures), the chime's tone represents the voice of the Buddha, offered to increase wisdom and guide all sentient beings toward enlightenment. As the wind unpredictably stirs the bell, it mirrors life's impermanence and the need for mindfulness in every moment. Culturally, the suspended fish evokes the sky as a vast ocean, with water symbolizing protection against fire—a practical concern for wooden temple structures prone to flames. In broader Korean culture, punggyeong embody harmony with nature, blending art, sound, and spirituality to create spaces of reflection and healing, much like how natural sounds aid in emotional restoration.

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