Stele of State Preceptor Jigwang at Beopcheonsa Temple Site, Wonju

The stele of State Preceptor Jigwang (984–1070) on the site of Beopcheonsa. When he died at the temple in 1070, this stele was raised with his reliquary stupa to honour what he had done. The stupa is now being restored by the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage; only the stele keeps its old place. A stone body stands on a turtle base under a crown-shaped capstone. The turtle holds its neck straight, mouth open, looking ahead — its face closer to a dragon's than a turtle's, with a long beard under the chin and staring eyes. Its shell has an unusual pattern: divided into squares, each carved with the character 王, king. What stands out on the stone body are the carvings on both sides: two dragons among clouds, precise and true to life. The capstone's four corners lift sharply with ornaments on them, and a three-tier lotus set at the centre adds to it. The text records his life from his entry into the order to his death, in his honour. Jeong Yu-san composed it and An Min-hu wrote it out in a soft hand based on the Chinese Ouyang Xun style.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Wonju, Gangwon

Designation

National Treasure · 국보