Stupa of Buddhist Monk Soyo at Baegyangsa Temple, Jangseong

This stupa was originally located in the stupa hall at the entrance to Baegyangsa Temple but has since been relocated to the Baegyangsa Temple Museum on the approach road to the temple. It is the funerary stupa of Buddhist Monk Soyo (1562–1649), who served as abbot of Baegyangsa Temple. Made of granite, it stands 156 cm tall and consists of a base, a body, and a finial. The base is octagonal, with floral scroll patterns carved on each face; on one face alone a tortoise is carved in relief. On the upper surface a downward-facing lotus pattern is carved, above which a single angular tier supports the body of the stupa. The body is bell-shaped, and overall it takes the form of a traditional Buddhist temple bell, with a lower band, nipple panels, an upper band, and a dragon-shaped hanger. The lower band is outlined by two raised lines, within which eight animals, including a crab, are realistically depicted. The nipple panels are arranged on four sides, each containing nine raised nipples. The upper band has two raised lines with patterns carved in relief; on its upper surface a downward-facing lotus pattern is carved, and four dragons are carved between the lower band and the nipple panels. On the front, a frame-shaped panel is carved bearing the inscription "Soyodang", identifying it as the stupa of Monk Soyo. The finial consists of four dragon heads gripping the stone bell-shaped body in their mouths, with cloud patterns carved between them and a jewel-shaped ornament placed above. Stupas of Monk Soyo also exist elsewhere besides Baegyangsa Temple, at Yongchusa Temple in Damyang and Yeongoksa Temple on Jirisan Mountain. An inscription on the body of the Stupa of Monk Soyo at Yeongoksa Temple in Gurye (a treasure) shows that it was erected in 1650, the first year of King Hyojong of Joseon. Judging from the time of Monk Soyo's death and the construction date of that stupa, this Baegyangsa Temple stupa can likewise be dated no later than 1650. Monk Soyo entered the Buddhist path at Baegyangsa Temple at the age of thirteen; after studying the Buddhist canon under Master Burim, he attained enlightenment in the sacred teachings under Master Seosan, and later served as the presiding elder of Baegyangsa Temple. The Stupa of Buddhist Monk Soyo at Baegyangsa Temple, Jangseong, is a rare case in which the detailed style of a temple bell is expressed in a stupa; since both its subject and construction date are known, it is regarded as important material for the study of stupas.

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Where it is

Region

Jangseong, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물