Stele of Buddhist Monk Seongak at Muwisa Temple, Gangjin

Muwisa Temple stands to the south-east of Wolchulsan Mountain in Gangjin, Jeollanam-do. It was founded by the eminent Silla monk Wonhyo and originally named Gwaneumsa Temple; in the fifth year of King Myeongjong (1550), the monk Taegam rebuilt it for the fourth time and renamed it Muwisa. This stele was erected in honour of the Buddhist monk Seongak (Hyeongmi), in the first year of King Jeongjong of Goryeo (946). Seongak was an eminent monk of the late Silla period who travelled to Tang China and, after fourteen years, returned to spend eight years at Muwisa Temple. He died in the first year of King Taejo of Goryeo (918) at the age of fifty-four, whereupon King Taejo bestowed on him the posthumous title "Seongak" and named his stupa "Pyeongwang-yeongtap." This stele was erected twenty-eight years after the monk's death. The stele is complete, with its pedestal, body and capstone all intact. The pedestal takes the form of a tortoise with a dragon's head holding a wish-fulfilling jewel in its mouth, fierce in appearance and rendered with striking realism. The seat directly supporting the stele body is carved with cloud patterns and round medallions. The body of the stele records an account of Seongak's life, and notes that Choe Eon-wi composed the inscription while Yu Hun-yul wrote it out in clerical script. The capstone rests on a three-tiered base carved with lotus patterns on its underside. At the centre is a rectangular panel that once bore the stele's title, but this has worn away and is no longer legible; around it, dragons amid clouds are carved, symbolising a prayer for the soul of the deceased to ascend to the heavenly realm. The carving technique in each part is more realistic than that of other stone steles of the same period, demonstrating the excellence of its craftsmanship as a work of sculptural art.

AI Translation

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Information

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Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Gangjin, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물