Master Muhak Stele

This stele records the life and activities of Jacho (1327–1405), known as Master Muhak, who served as royal preceptor to King Taejo of Joseon and advised him on affairs of state. It stands on the north-western ridge of the site of Hoeamsa Temple in Yangju, once a temple built to pray for the repose of King Taejo's soul but now reduced to ruins. Master Muhak left home to study Buddhism in 1344, the fifth year of King Chunghye, and in 1353, the second year of King Gongmin, travelled to Yanjing, capital of the Yuan dynasty, where he received the teachings of the monks Jigong and Naong before returning to Korea in 1356. From the 1380s he formed a close bond with King Taejo of Joseon, and is said to have given great assistance in choosing the site for the new capital at Hanyang. In 1407, the seventh year of King Taejong, a stupa for Master Muhak was enshrined, and in 1410, the tenth year of King Taejong, the Master Muhak Stele was erected. By royal command the inscription was composed by Byeon Gye-ryang and the calligraphy written by Gong Bu. In 1821, the twenty-first year of King Sunjo, the stele suffered unexpected damage, but it was restored in 1828, the twenty-eighth year of King Sunjo. It takes the form of a square pedestal stone bearing the stele body — the part carrying the inscription — capped with a roof stone, a style known as bangbugaeseok.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yangju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산