Stele of State Preceptor Beopin at Bowonsa Temple Site, Seosan

Bowonsa Temple, also known as Goransa Temple, has no clearly recorded history, but the scale of relics found in the surrounding area shows that it was once a large temple. The stele's base, in the shape of a tortoise (gwibu), has the body of a turtle but the head of a dragon holding a magic jewel in its mouth; the neck juts forward, the whiskers curl back, and the eyes bulge widely. On its back sits a three-tiered pedestal supporting the stele. The capstone is carved with dragons at each of the four corners looking inward, while cloud patterns are carved on the front and back. According to the inscription, State Preceptor Beopin was appointed State Preceptor in the 25th year of King Gwangjong's reign (974) and passed away the following year; the stele was erected in the third year of King Gyeongjong's reign (978). The stele is huge and imposing, though its carving technique tends somewhat towards formality.

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Where it is

Region

Seosan, Chungnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물