Gongju Seohyeolsa Temple Site

This temple site lies to the east of Mangwolsan Mountain, which rises prominently in Ungjin-dong, Gongju. A roof tile found here inscribed with the characters for "Seohyeolsa," together with roof-end tiles bearing the lotus design typical of Baekje, and various roof tiles, stone pagoda members and foundation stones from the Unified Silla and Goryeo periods, suggest that the temple was first built in the Baekje period. The site appears to have been built by dividing a gently sloping field into three terraces and constructing stone retaining walls. Investigations show that the buildings where monks practised Buddhism were arranged in a straight line facing south — pagoda and Buddha hall together — regardless of the lie of the land. A rock-cut temple associated with this site made use of a natural cave as a training place for monks; it measures 8m in length, 4.5m in height and 17m in width. On its north wall is a platform that appears to have held a Buddha statue. Three stone Buddha statues of Unified Silla workmanship found here suggest that the temple was rebuilt during the Unified Silla period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gongju, Chungnam

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물