Gongju Namhyeolsa Temple Site

Namhyeolsa Temple Site is the site of Namhyeolsa Temple, located on Namsan Mountain in Geumhak-dong, Gongju, facing Seohyeolsa Temple Site on Mangwolsan Mountain to the northwest. Along with Seohyeolsa Temple, it is presumed to have been founded during the Baekje period, and it is known as a renowned temple where the eminent Goryeo monk Jeongjin took monastic vows. At the temple site, roof tiles with lotus-flower designs and inscribed roof tiles have been discovered, along with the torso of a gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva statue in the style of the Six Dynasties. Also found were the base stone of a stone pagoda and other pagoda components, column bases that appear to have been moved from their original positions, and the site of a well. There is also a stone cave nearby, and together with Gongju Jumisa Temple Site, Seohyeolsa Temple Site, Jeongjisa Temple Site, the Geumhak-dong temple site and the Ungjin-dong temple site, it is presumed to have formed part of a group of cave temples. The cave is located to the east of the temple site; it makes use of a natural cavern and measures 26 m in length east–west, 1.85 m in width north–south, and 2.35 m in height. Its interior is divided into a front chamber and a rear chamber, and it was in the front chamber that the gilt-bronze standing bodhisattva statue mentioned above was found. On the north wall there is a stepped platform that appears to have been used to enshrine a Buddha statue. The temple is presumed to have stood on the gently sloping field to the southeast, centred on the pagoda site. Traces remain of a retaining wall built using foundation stones, and to the west, in front of the cave entrance, a terraced site of about three levels extends.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gongju, Chungnam

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물