Seonamsa Temple Jungsu Stele

This stele stands beside the path leading up to Bugam Hermitage, behind Muujeon Hall at Seonamsa Temple. It records how the temple, burned down during the Jeongyu War of 1597, was restored only after great effort through the work of the monk Yakhyu. The stele consists of a stele body and a capstone set upon a tall turtle-shaped base. The head of the turtle base has become dragon-like, though it does not hold a yeouiju (a wish-fulfilling jewel) in its mouth, and its neck is so short that the creature appears tightly hunched. Its back is covered with clearly carved hexagonal patterns, with a square pedestal (bijwa) set at the centre to hold the stele upright. The underside of the capstone bears a carved lotus flower, while its upper surface realistically depicts two dragons entwined and writhing together. According to the inscription, the stele was erected in 1707, the thirty-third year of King Sukjong of Joseon; the text was composed by Chae Paeng-yun and the calligraphy written by Yi Jin-hyu. Although a work of the mid-Joseon period, its carving and technique are of notable beauty.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산