Venerable Ji-kwan, a former head of South Korea's largest Buddhist sect, died Monday from asthma. He was 79.

The monk died at Gyeongguk temple in Seoul after suffering from chronic asthma, an official of the Jogye Order said. Ji-kwan, who served as head of the order from 2005-2009, had been under hospital treatment since September.

The monk was renowned for his vast knowledge of Buddhist scriptures, and in 1991, set up a Buddhist culture research institute using his private funds.

In recognition of his contributions to promoting Buddhist culture, the government conferred the second-highest order of culture on him in 2001. (Yonhap)