Stele of State Preceptor Wonjeung at Taegosa Temple, Goyang

This is the memorial stele of State Preceptor Wonjeung, standing right beside the main hall of Taegosa Temple. State Preceptor Wonjeung (1301–1382) was a monk of the late Goryeo period who entered the monastic life at the age of thirteen and studied under the Seon master Gwangji at Hoeamsa Temple, later travelling to various temples to devote himself to learning. At the age of forty-six he even travelled to China, and when he visited again later, Emperor Shun, hearing of his reputation, is said to have bestowed a monk's robe on him. He also served as teacher to King Gongmin, but soon retired to Soseolsa Temple, and passed away at this temple in 1382, the eighth year of King U. The stele consists of a body erected on a turtle-shaped base, capped with a headstone. The head of the turtle base takes the form of a dragon's head, and its back is filled with elongated hexagonal patterns. The headstone bears faintly carved patterns of clouds and dragons. The stele was erected in 1385, the eleventh year of King U of Goryeo; the inscription was composed by Yi Saek, a renowned writer of the time, and written by Gwon Ju, a celebrated calligrapher. Overall, the carving remains merely formulaic, giving an impression of decline.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Goyang, Gyeonggi

Designation

Treasure · 보물