Wollamsa Temple Site

This is the site of Wollamsa Temple, in the centre of Wollam village. The Sinjeung dongguk yeoji seungnam records that the temple was founded in the Goryeo period by State Preceptor Jingak (1178–1234), but the scale and style of the three-storey stone pagoda on the site suggest it may in fact date from an earlier time. No record survives of when the temple was abandoned, but since records state that temples in this area were destroyed by fire during the Jeongyu War (1597) and only Muwisa Temple survived, it is presumed that Wollamsa was also destroyed at that time. At the entrance to the village stand a three-storey stone pagoda and the stele for State Preceptor Jingak, one on either side. A roof stone from a pagoda was recently found in a private house near the three-storey stone pagoda, and according to local residents there were originally two stone pagodas here. What is notable is that the detailed technique of this roof stone is in the Silla style, unlike the Baekje-style technique of the three-storey stone pagoda at the site. Why stone pagodas of both Baekje and Silla style should stand together at a single temple site is a question that requires more detailed investigation. The stele raised in honour of State Preceptor Jingak has lost its upper part, which has broken away, and part of the front face has also fallen off, but the surviving base stone, the posture of the turtle-shaped pedestal, and the width of the stele suggest that it was originally very grand. The site today retains the foundation stones of the main hall and a retaining wall, and fragments of old roof tiles, celadon and white porcelain have been excavated here.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gangjin, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물