Geumsansa
Encyclopedia
Geumsansa is a head temple of the Jogye Order
of Korean Buddhism
. It stands on the slopes of Moaksan in Gimje
City, Jeollabuk-do
, South Korea
.
:金山寺事蹟, Chronicle of Geumsan Temple) records that the temple was established in 600 AD by Baekje
(18 BC–660 AD), one of the three kingdoms
that ruled the Korean peninsula
during this period. The year indicates both the second year of King Beop
's short-lived reign (r. 599–600) and the first year of the next ruler and his son, King Mu
's reign (r. 600–641). In the document, King Beop who was a faithful Buddhist ordered a royal edict to prohibit killing of any living creatures in 599 and ordained 38 Buddhist monks. On the other hand, according to Cultural Heritage Administration
of South Korea, Buddhapia, a South Korean Buddhist portal site and others, Geumsasa was built in 599, the first year of King Beop. Regardless of the founding date, it was assumed not to have been a significant temple in the scope of its scale and character.
Since the Master Jinpyo
had led the project of reconstructing the monastery from 722 in King Gyeongdeok's reign to 766 in King Hyegong's reign, Geumsansa was greatly expanded. The preceptor
of Buddhist ordinances also instituted the statue of the Great Maitreya to be enshrined in the main hall which became the basis of the Beopsang Buddhist sect. As a result of the expansion, Geumsansa became the headquarters for practicing the Maitreya
faith during the Unified Silla
period (668-935).
After the expansion, Gyeon Hwon
(r. 900-935) who is the founder of Later Baekje (892–936) protected the temple. Although it is said that he issued orders to carry out partial repairs for Geumsansa, there is no certainty over whether the repairs actually occurred. Through the irony of fate, Gyeon Hwon was held captive at Geumsansa when his son, Prince Singeom
usurped the throne. In 1079 as the Royal Preceptor Hyedeok was appointed as the head master of Geumsasa, he completely renovated the temple by erecting various additional sanctuaries. This led to Geumsansa's era of cultural blooming.
During the first Japanese military campaign of Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1592, Geumsansa also played a defensive role. The Buddhist volunteer corps, with over a thousand monks led by Master Noemuk (뇌묵대사) used Geumsansa for a training ground. During the second Japanese military campaign, the Buddhist volunteer corps established their headquarters at Geumsansa. However, the entire temple complex subsequently suffered a tragic fate when the pavilion and outlying hermitages were burned to the ground by the invading Japanese forces.
The present buildings were rebuilt in 1635 after the previous ones were destroyed by the Japanese invasions of Korea. The temple currently serves as one of the principle Buddhist centers in the region and is one of the largest temples in South Korea. Most of the treasures were created prior to the time of present buildings.
Hall is a three story wooden structure. Having three stories makes it unique among Korean Buddhist halls. Mireukjeon houses a large Mireuksa Buddha (Buddha of the Future)
. The hall was (re-)constructed in 1635.
Each floor has its own name. The first floor is called Daejabojeon (Hall of Great Mercy and Treasure). The second floor is called Yonghwajihoe (Gathering of Dragon and Beauty). The third floor is called Mireukjeon (Hall of Maitreya).
On the first and second floors there are five rooms in the front and four rooms on the side. On the third floor there are three rooms in the front and two rooms on the side.
The roofs of the first and second levels are supported by six pillars across the front and back of the building, with five pillars found along each side. The roof of the third level is supported by four pillars across the front and back and three pillars along the sides.
Clusters of brackets supported the eaves of the roofs. The main wooden support pillar on the inside of the hall is made of multiple pieces. These pillars are made in the minheullim style meaning the pillar gets thinner as it ascends.
Mireukjeon is constructed using a "multi-beam style" where the "eaves beams" are not only placed above the pillars supporting the eaves, but also amongst the supporing pillars.
: 금산사 노주, Noju of Geumsansa Temple).
Described as a "relic
", Noju is found between two of the temple's buildings, Daejeokgwangjeon Hall and Daejanggak Hall. Noju is believed to date from the early Goryeo
period or the 10th century.
The function or purpose for the relic remains unknown. With the small sculpture of a bud positioned on the top removed, it may have served as a square pedestal
for an image of the Buddha. Noju is constructed of three stone pedestals neatly layered at the bottom, middle and top. The bud-shaped magic stone ornament found at the peak of the relic is like that of what would be found at the peak of a wooden pagoda.
Pole patterns are engraved the back and edge of the bottom pedestal with eight longish ovals on the surface. 16 petals of the lotus flower are engraved on the front.
The middle pedestal has no decoration on the sides.
The 16 petals of the lotus flower motif found on the bottom is repeated top pedestal, but with the lotus flower petals on the top pedestal being longer and slimmer than those found on the bottom pedestal.
The side of the base is 1.2m/3.9 ft long making the total height of the relic 2.3m/7.5 ft.
Seogyeondae is a finely detailed lotus-shaped stone pedestal (statue base), that historians believe dates back to the 10th century between the Unified Silla Dynasty and the early Goryeo Dynasty.
Seogyeondae is constructed from one solid piece of stone.
The top surface of the pedestal is cut level. Two square holes are incised into the top which are believed to have accommodated an image of the Buddha.
On the middle belt a floral pattern is embossed.
The bottom belt has a hexagonal pattern embossed.
In general, this stone pedestal utilizes the style and form typical of that from the Unified Silla Dynasty.
This tortoise shaped pedestal carved out of a piece single stone is a tombstone believed to have been made to memorialize the renowned monk in the middle era of the Goryeo Dynasty, Hyedeogwangsa. The tombstone foundation stone has been lost and the epitaph is badly damaged to the extent that deciphering what is written is difficult.
Hyedeo was born in the fourth year of King Jeongjong of Goryeo (1038). Started learning the Buddhist teachings at the age of four, he became a Buddhist monk shortly thereafter. In 1079 King Sukjong promoted Hyedeo to the position of chief of the temple. Later Hyedeo was assigned as the chief of the Buddhist body of the state by King Sukjong.
After Hyedeo died at the age of 59, King Sukjong raised Hyedeo's status to "State Mentor" and renamed him "Hyedeok" and named the pagoda "Jineung."
This five storied stone pagoda is situated on the top of Songdae, the two-story stylobate
, a large tall pedestal at the north side of Geumsansa Temple. A sarira stair is found behind the pagoda. Although only five stories tall, the roof of the pagoda causes it appear to be more like a six-storied structure.
The bottom layer of the base is short and narrows at the top where it holds the its cap stone. The large square base supporting the main body of the pagoda is oversized.
Each of the pagoda's stories diminish in size as they ascend and each story has relieves carved into each of the four corners.
The eaves the roof stone form gentle upturned curves.
Something that distinguishing this pagoda from other pagodas is the base of pagoda finial which looks like a roof stone. It is designed to support the finial at the top of the pagoda and gives this pagoda very distinct appearance.
Bangdeunggyedan is a stone pagoda in the shape of a bell. The bell-shaped pagoda appeared in the late Silla Dynasty is thought to have been adapted from the Indian Buddhist temple style.
This stone pagoda stands on top of the stylobate, a wide two story square stone platform found on the north side of the temple complex. The stylobate is engraved each side of with images of Buddha and the Four Devas, the guardians of Buddhist temple.
Stone railings were probably supported on the stone posts still found surrounding the lower layer of the stylobate. The stone posts have carved images of the Four Deva's faces on each of the four corners. The engravings with images of the Four Devas on the stylobate and the stone railings posts indicates that once there stood a sarira
stairs to store the Buddha's own sarira.
The main body of the pagoda has engravings of lion's faces around the edge and the lotus flower in the center. Near the top the nine dragons are carved with their heads protruding out under the two stone plates engraved with a lotus flower.
The oldest stone bell pagoda still existing in Korea today is Bangdeunggyedan. Judging from the fine structure of the sculptures and ornamentation historians believe this pagoda was built during the early period of the Goryeo Dynasty.
This hexagonal multi-stored 2.18m/7.15 ft high stupa
, Yukgak Tachung Soktap, differs from typical square shaped granite pagodas in that it is a hexagonal stone pagoda made of black-and-white clay slate.
Judging by the engraving methods used in the main body and the roof stone it is estimated to have been built around the early Goryeo period (918-1392) and was moved to here from the nearby Bongcheonwon Hermitage
.
The pagoda is assumed to have a one story stone core for the main body of the pagoda. Now only the top two remain. A lotus flower pattern is engraved on the stylobate.
The roof stones slope gently on the outer surface of the roof, but curve sharply at the corners.
Because the original vanished, a decorated granite finial was added later.
The pagoda creates a unique mood with use of clay slate, the main ingredient of ink-stones, and maintains a gentle and delicate ratio as it narrowly ascends.
:금산사 당간지주, Buddhist flagpole supports of Geumsansa Temple).
Dangganjiju are the two flag pole supports used to support the flag for a ceremony at a Buddhist temple.
When a ceremony at a Buddhist is held, the event and location of the temple is indicated by a flag mounted on a stone or iron flag pole.
The two posts forming the flag pole support are 3.5m/11.5 ft tall and lie in a north - south orientation. There are three holes placed in the supports to hold the flag pole, the holes placed one above the other. Placement of the holes in this manor is indicative of the style from the Unified Silla
period, similar to those seen at Bomun-ri from the Gyeongju
period, and at the Mireuksa
(Temple) site.
Dangganjiju is valued as the only flag pole support in Korea still retaining the original base. Historians believe these supports were erected during the late 8th century Silla
period. It was designated as the 28th "Treasure" (bomul) by the government on January 21, 1963.
This three story stone pagoda mounted on a two-story stylobate is located near the peak to the north of Simwonam Rock at Simwonam (hermitage). The pagoda maintains the engraved pole pattern on the four edges and the center of the pagoda's main body.
Three flat broad roof stones cover each body stone forming a strong slope along the outer surface of the roof and gentle curves on the edge of the eaves in keeping with the typical of architectural style of the Goryeo period.
The pagoda being located deep in the mountain has contributed to the near perfect condition of the pagoda.
Although the broad roof stones and the strong slope of the eaves are typical of a style of the pagodas of Silla (57 BC-935 AD) period this pagoda actually dates to the Goryeo period (918-1392).
Daejangjeon at Geumsansa was origially a octagonal wooden pagoda erected in the 600s C.E. during the Baekje
period.
Daejangjeon was rebuilt in 1635 as a hall, during the Joseon
period (July 1392 – August 1910). In 1922 the hall was relocated to its present location. Visible on the roof ridge beam is a portion of the finial that topped the original wooden pagoda.
Images of the Sakyamuni Buddha and his two most capable disciples, Kasyapa and Ananda
are now enshrine within Daejangjeon. The Sakyamuni Buddha is seated on an elaborately engraved Sumidan pedestal.
This single story hall has 3 rooms along the sides. Incorporating a hipped and gabled roof Daejangjeon represents the most elaborate style of this era. A few images along the top the hall's roof line reveals a hint of the hall's past as a wooden pagoda.
Daejangjeon's ceiling is lattice
d. Interior construction utilizes two tiered multiclustered brackets on top of the columns in the middle section. Single tiered multiclustered brackets are utilized on top of the columns on the outer tie beams between the columns in each of the side sections.
The architectural study of this era's wooden pagodas is greatly enhanced by this small simple modified hall.
Geumsansa Seokdeung (Stone Lamp), or lamp of enlightenment, located in the front yard of Daejangjeon Hall was used to light the front of the worship hall.
The lamp is made of granite and measures 3.9m/12.8 ft high. The stone lamp dates back to the Goryeo period (918-1392) but was moved to the present location in 1922.
The square foundation stone is carved with a double lotus pattern. The octagonal base has straight lines engraved along the length to represent the cosmos or to emulate pillars.
The upper section of the lamp is carved as a fully bloomed lotus.
The upper pedestal forms the base of the light camber. The light chamber in the upper octagonal section has windows on four sides. Decorative engravings of Lotus petals are found on both the base and upper part of the pedestal.
Jogye Order
The Jogye Order, officially the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism is the representative order of traditional Korean Buddhism with roots that date back 1,200 years to Unified Silla National Master Doui, who brought Seon and the practice taught by the Sixth Patriarch, Huineng, from China about 820...
of Korean Buddhism
Korean Buddhism
Korean Buddhism is distinguished from other forms of Buddhism by its attempt to resolve what it sees as inconsistencies in Mahayana Buddhism. Early Korean monks believed that the traditions they received from foreign countries were internally inconsistent. To address this, they developed a new...
. It stands on the slopes of Moaksan in Gimje
Gimje
Gimje is a city in North Jeolla Province, South Korea.-History:Gimje area has been cultivated since ancient times.Nations of early date ascend in year 200...
City, Jeollabuk-do
Jeollabuk-do
Jeollabuk-do is a province in the southwest of South Korea. The province was formed in 1896 from the northern half of the former Jeolla province, and remained a province of Korea until the country's division in 1945, then became part of South Korea...
, South Korea
South Korea
The Republic of Korea , , is a sovereign state in East Asia, located on the southern portion of the Korean Peninsula. It is neighbored by the People's Republic of China to the west, Japan to the east, North Korea to the north, and the East China Sea and Republic of China to the south...
.
History
There is a minor disagreement over in which year Geumsansa was founded, according to sources. The 1635 compilation, Geumsansa sajeok (hanjaHanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
:金山寺事蹟, Chronicle of Geumsan Temple) records that the temple was established in 600 AD by Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
(18 BC–660 AD), one of the three kingdoms
Three Kingdoms of Korea
The Three Kingdoms of Korea refer to the ancient Korean kingdoms of Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla, which dominated the Korean peninsula and parts of Manchuria for much of the 1st millennium...
that ruled the Korean peninsula
Korean Peninsula
The Korean Peninsula is a peninsula in East Asia. It extends southwards for about 684 miles from continental Asia into the Pacific Ocean and is surrounded by the Sea of Japan to the south, and the Yellow Sea to the west, the Korea Strait connecting the first two bodies of water.Until the end of...
during this period. The year indicates both the second year of King Beop
Beop of Baekje
Beop of Baekje was the 29th king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was the eldest son of King Hye. He reigned as Baekje power declined, having lost the Seoul region to the rival Silla kingdom....
's short-lived reign (r. 599–600) and the first year of the next ruler and his son, King Mu
Mu of Baekje
King Mu of Baekje was the 30th king of Baekje, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He was the son of King Wideok.- Background :...
's reign (r. 600–641). In the document, King Beop who was a faithful Buddhist ordered a royal edict to prohibit killing of any living creatures in 599 and ordained 38 Buddhist monks. On the other hand, according to Cultural Heritage Administration
Cultural Heritage Administration
The Cultural Heritage Administration or CHA, formerly the Cultural Properties Administration, is an agency of the South Korean government charged with preserving key aspects of the Korean cultural heritage. It is headquartered in the city of Daejeon at the Daejeon Government Complex...
of South Korea, Buddhapia, a South Korean Buddhist portal site and others, Geumsasa was built in 599, the first year of King Beop. Regardless of the founding date, it was assumed not to have been a significant temple in the scope of its scale and character.
Since the Master Jinpyo
Jinpyo
Jinpyo was a monk in the Korean Silla dynasty. He was born either in Geumsan or in Samcheok. His name means "symbol of truth."...
had led the project of reconstructing the monastery from 722 in King Gyeongdeok's reign to 766 in King Hyegong's reign, Geumsansa was greatly expanded. The preceptor
Preceptor
A preceptor is a teacher responsible to uphold a certain law or tradition, a precept.-Christian military orders:A preceptor was historically in charge of a preceptory, the headquarters of certain orders of monastic Knights, such as the Knights Hospitaller and Knights Templar, within a given...
of Buddhist ordinances also instituted the statue of the Great Maitreya to be enshrined in the main hall which became the basis of the Beopsang Buddhist sect. As a result of the expansion, Geumsansa became the headquarters for practicing the Maitreya
Maitreya
Maitreya , Metteyya , or Jampa , is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on...
faith during the Unified Silla
Unified Silla
Unified Silla or Later Silla is the name often applied to the Korean kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, when it conquered Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668, unifying the southern portion of the Korean peninsula...
period (668-935).
After the expansion, Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon
Gyeon Hwon was the king and founder of Hubaekje, one of the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea. Some records render his name as "Jin Hwon" . He was also the progenitor of the Hwanggan Gyeon clan...
(r. 900-935) who is the founder of Later Baekje (892–936) protected the temple. Although it is said that he issued orders to carry out partial repairs for Geumsansa, there is no certainty over whether the repairs actually occurred. Through the irony of fate, Gyeon Hwon was held captive at Geumsansa when his son, Prince Singeom
Singeom
Singeom was the second and final king of Hubaekje, one of the Later Three Kingdoms of Korea. He came to the throne after conspiring with his two brothers, Yanggeom and Yonggeom, to overthrow their father Gyeon Hwon and kill the anointed heir, their younger half-brother Geumgang.The brothers...
usurped the throne. In 1079 as the Royal Preceptor Hyedeok was appointed as the head master of Geumsasa, he completely renovated the temple by erecting various additional sanctuaries. This led to Geumsansa's era of cultural blooming.
During the first Japanese military campaign of Hideyoshi Toyotomi in 1592, Geumsansa also played a defensive role. The Buddhist volunteer corps, with over a thousand monks led by Master Noemuk (뇌묵대사) used Geumsansa for a training ground. During the second Japanese military campaign, the Buddhist volunteer corps established their headquarters at Geumsansa. However, the entire temple complex subsequently suffered a tragic fate when the pavilion and outlying hermitages were burned to the ground by the invading Japanese forces.
The present buildings were rebuilt in 1635 after the previous ones were destroyed by the Japanese invasions of Korea. The temple currently serves as one of the principle Buddhist centers in the region and is one of the largest temples in South Korea. Most of the treasures were created prior to the time of present buildings.
Mireukjeon - National Treasure #62
Geumsansa Mireukjeon (Mireukjeon Hall of Geumsansa Temple) MaitreyaMaitreya
Maitreya , Metteyya , or Jampa , is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on...
Hall is a three story wooden structure. Having three stories makes it unique among Korean Buddhist halls. Mireukjeon houses a large Mireuksa Buddha (Buddha of the Future)
Maitreya
Maitreya , Metteyya , or Jampa , is foretold as a future Buddha of this world in Buddhist eschatology. In some Buddhist literature, such as the Amitabha Sutra and the Lotus Sutra, he or she is referred to as Ajita Bodhisattva.Maitreya is a bodhisattva who in the Buddhist tradition is to appear on...
. The hall was (re-)constructed in 1635.
Each floor has its own name. The first floor is called Daejabojeon (Hall of Great Mercy and Treasure). The second floor is called Yonghwajihoe (Gathering of Dragon and Beauty). The third floor is called Mireukjeon (Hall of Maitreya).
On the first and second floors there are five rooms in the front and four rooms on the side. On the third floor there are three rooms in the front and two rooms on the side.
The roofs of the first and second levels are supported by six pillars across the front and back of the building, with five pillars found along each side. The roof of the third level is supported by four pillars across the front and back and three pillars along the sides.
Clusters of brackets supported the eaves of the roofs. The main wooden support pillar on the inside of the hall is made of multiple pieces. These pillars are made in the minheullim style meaning the pillar gets thinner as it ascends.
Mireukjeon is constructed using a "multi-beam style" where the "eaves beams" are not only placed above the pillars supporting the eaves, but also amongst the supporing pillars.
Noju - Treasure #22
Geumsansa Noju (hangulHangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
: 금산사 노주, Noju of Geumsansa Temple).
Described as a "relic
Relic
In religion, a relic is a part of the body of a saint or a venerated person, or else another type of ancient religious object, carefully preserved for purposes of veneration or as a tangible memorial...
", Noju is found between two of the temple's buildings, Daejeokgwangjeon Hall and Daejanggak Hall. Noju is believed to date from the early Goryeo
Goryeo
The Goryeo Dynasty or Koryŏ was a Korean dynasty established in 918 by Emperor Taejo. Korea gets its name from this kingdom which came to be pronounced Korea. It united the Later Three Kingdoms in 936 and ruled most of the Korean peninsula until it was removed by the Joseon dynasty in 1392...
period or the 10th century.
The function or purpose for the relic remains unknown. With the small sculpture of a bud positioned on the top removed, it may have served as a square pedestal
Pedestal
Pedestal is a term generally applied to the support of a statue or a vase....
for an image of the Buddha. Noju is constructed of three stone pedestals neatly layered at the bottom, middle and top. The bud-shaped magic stone ornament found at the peak of the relic is like that of what would be found at the peak of a wooden pagoda.
Pole patterns are engraved the back and edge of the bottom pedestal with eight longish ovals on the surface. 16 petals of the lotus flower are engraved on the front.
The middle pedestal has no decoration on the sides.
The 16 petals of the lotus flower motif found on the bottom is repeated top pedestal, but with the lotus flower petals on the top pedestal being longer and slimmer than those found on the bottom pedestal.
The side of the base is 1.2m/3.9 ft long making the total height of the relic 2.3m/7.5 ft.
Seogyeondae - Treasure #23
Geumsansaseogyeondae (Stone lotus pedestal of Geumsansa Temple).Seogyeondae is a finely detailed lotus-shaped stone pedestal (statue base), that historians believe dates back to the 10th century between the Unified Silla Dynasty and the early Goryeo Dynasty.
Seogyeondae is constructed from one solid piece of stone.
The top surface of the pedestal is cut level. Two square holes are incised into the top which are believed to have accommodated an image of the Buddha.
On the middle belt a floral pattern is embossed.
The bottom belt has a hexagonal pattern embossed.
In general, this stone pedestal utilizes the style and form typical of that from the Unified Silla Dynasty.
Hyedeogwangsa Jineungtapbi - Treasure #24
Hyedeogwangsa Jineungtapbi (Monument to the high priest Hyedeogwangsa of Geumsansa Temple).This tortoise shaped pedestal carved out of a piece single stone is a tombstone believed to have been made to memorialize the renowned monk in the middle era of the Goryeo Dynasty, Hyedeogwangsa. The tombstone foundation stone has been lost and the epitaph is badly damaged to the extent that deciphering what is written is difficult.
Hyedeo was born in the fourth year of King Jeongjong of Goryeo (1038). Started learning the Buddhist teachings at the age of four, he became a Buddhist monk shortly thereafter. In 1079 King Sukjong promoted Hyedeo to the position of chief of the temple. Later Hyedeo was assigned as the chief of the Buddhist body of the state by King Sukjong.
After Hyedeo died at the age of 59, King Sukjong raised Hyedeo's status to "State Mentor" and renamed him "Hyedeok" and named the pagoda "Jineung."
Ocheung Seoktap - Treasure #25
Ocheung Seoktap (Five storied stone pagoda of Geumsansa Temple).This five storied stone pagoda is situated on the top of Songdae, the two-story stylobate
Stylobate
In classical Greek architecture, a stylobate is the top step of the crepidoma, the stepped platform on which colonnades of temple columns are placed...
, a large tall pedestal at the north side of Geumsansa Temple. A sarira stair is found behind the pagoda. Although only five stories tall, the roof of the pagoda causes it appear to be more like a six-storied structure.
The bottom layer of the base is short and narrows at the top where it holds the its cap stone. The large square base supporting the main body of the pagoda is oversized.
Each of the pagoda's stories diminish in size as they ascend and each story has relieves carved into each of the four corners.
The eaves the roof stone form gentle upturned curves.
Something that distinguishing this pagoda from other pagodas is the base of pagoda finial which looks like a roof stone. It is designed to support the finial at the top of the pagoda and gives this pagoda very distinct appearance.
Bangdeunggyedan - Treasure #26
Geumsansabangdeunggyedan (Ordination altar of Geumsansa Temple).Bangdeunggyedan is a stone pagoda in the shape of a bell. The bell-shaped pagoda appeared in the late Silla Dynasty is thought to have been adapted from the Indian Buddhist temple style.
This stone pagoda stands on top of the stylobate, a wide two story square stone platform found on the north side of the temple complex. The stylobate is engraved each side of with images of Buddha and the Four Devas, the guardians of Buddhist temple.
Stone railings were probably supported on the stone posts still found surrounding the lower layer of the stylobate. The stone posts have carved images of the Four Deva's faces on each of the four corners. The engravings with images of the Four Devas on the stylobate and the stone railings posts indicates that once there stood a sarira
Sarira
Śarīra are generic terms for "Buddhist relics", although in common usage these terms usually refer to a kind of pearl or crystal-like bead-shaped objects that are purportedly found among the cremated ashes of Buddhist spiritual masters...
stairs to store the Buddha's own sarira.
The main body of the pagoda has engravings of lion's faces around the edge and the lotus flower in the center. Near the top the nine dragons are carved with their heads protruding out under the two stone plates engraved with a lotus flower.
The oldest stone bell pagoda still existing in Korea today is Bangdeunggyedan. Judging from the fine structure of the sculptures and ornamentation historians believe this pagoda was built during the early period of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Yukgak Tachung Soktap - Treasure #27
Geumsansayukgakdacheungseoktap (Hexagonal multi-storied stone pagoda of Geumsansa Temple).This hexagonal multi-stored 2.18m/7.15 ft high stupa
Stupa
A stupa is a mound-like structure containing Buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used by Buddhists as a place of worship....
, Yukgak Tachung Soktap, differs from typical square shaped granite pagodas in that it is a hexagonal stone pagoda made of black-and-white clay slate.
Judging by the engraving methods used in the main body and the roof stone it is estimated to have been built around the early Goryeo period (918-1392) and was moved to here from the nearby Bongcheonwon Hermitage
Hermitage (religious retreat)
Although today's meaning is usually a place where a hermit lives in seclusion from the world, hermitage was more commonly used to mean a settlement where a person or a group of people lived religiously, in seclusion.-Western Christian Tradition:...
.
The pagoda is assumed to have a one story stone core for the main body of the pagoda. Now only the top two remain. A lotus flower pattern is engraved on the stylobate.
The roof stones slope gently on the outer surface of the roof, but curve sharply at the corners.
Because the original vanished, a decorated granite finial was added later.
The pagoda creates a unique mood with use of clay slate, the main ingredient of ink-stones, and maintains a gentle and delicate ratio as it narrowly ascends.
Dangganjiju - Treasure #28
Geumsansa Dangganjiju (hangulHangul
Hangul,Pronounced or ; Korean: 한글 Hangeul/Han'gŭl or 조선글 Chosŏn'gŭl/Joseongeul the Korean alphabet, is the native alphabet of the Korean language. It is a separate script from Hanja, the logographic Chinese characters which are also sometimes used to write Korean...
:금산사 당간지주, Buddhist flagpole supports of Geumsansa Temple).
Dangganjiju are the two flag pole supports used to support the flag for a ceremony at a Buddhist temple.
When a ceremony at a Buddhist is held, the event and location of the temple is indicated by a flag mounted on a stone or iron flag pole.
The two posts forming the flag pole support are 3.5m/11.5 ft tall and lie in a north - south orientation. There are three holes placed in the supports to hold the flag pole, the holes placed one above the other. Placement of the holes in this manor is indicative of the style from the Unified Silla
Unified Silla
Unified Silla or Later Silla is the name often applied to the Korean kingdom of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, when it conquered Baekje in 660 and Goguryeo in 668, unifying the southern portion of the Korean peninsula...
period, similar to those seen at Bomun-ri from the Gyeongju
Gyeongju
Gyeongju is a coastal city in the far southeastern corner of North Gyeongsang province in South Korea. It is the second largest city by area in the province after Andong, covering with a population of 269,343 people according to the 2008 census. Gyeongju is southeast of Seoul, and east of the...
period, and at the Mireuksa
Mireuksa
Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple in the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje. The temple was established in 602, by King Mu and is located 36.012083 N, 127.031028 E. This place depends nowadays from Iksan City . The site was excavated in 1980, disclosing many hitherto unknown facts about...
(Temple) site.
Dangganjiju is valued as the only flag pole support in Korea still retaining the original base. Historians believe these supports were erected during the late 8th century Silla
Silla
Silla was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, and one of the longest sustained dynasties in...
period. It was designated as the 28th "Treasure" (bomul) by the government on January 21, 1963.
Simwonam Hwagang Samcheung Seoktap -Treasure #29
Geumsansa simwonam hwagangam cheungseoktap (Three storied granite pagoda of Simwonam Hermitage at Geumsansa Temple).This three story stone pagoda mounted on a two-story stylobate is located near the peak to the north of Simwonam Rock at Simwonam (hermitage). The pagoda maintains the engraved pole pattern on the four edges and the center of the pagoda's main body.
Three flat broad roof stones cover each body stone forming a strong slope along the outer surface of the roof and gentle curves on the edge of the eaves in keeping with the typical of architectural style of the Goryeo period.
The pagoda being located deep in the mountain has contributed to the near perfect condition of the pagoda.
Although the broad roof stones and the strong slope of the eaves are typical of a style of the pagodas of Silla (57 BC-935 AD) period this pagoda actually dates to the Goryeo period (918-1392).
Daejangjeon - Treasure #827
Geumsansadaejangjeon (Daejangjeon Hall of Geumsansa Temple).Daejangjeon at Geumsansa was origially a octagonal wooden pagoda erected in the 600s C.E. during the Baekje
Baekje
Baekje or Paekche was a kingdom located in southwest Korea. It was one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, together with Goguryeo and Silla....
period.
Daejangjeon was rebuilt in 1635 as a hall, during the Joseon
Joseon
Joseon, Chosŏn, Choseon or Chosun are English spellings of the Korean *word for "Korea". It may refer to:*Korea*Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, from 2333 BC to 108 BC.*Joseon Dynasty of Korea, from AD 1392 to 1910....
period (July 1392 – August 1910). In 1922 the hall was relocated to its present location. Visible on the roof ridge beam is a portion of the finial that topped the original wooden pagoda.
Images of the Sakyamuni Buddha and his two most capable disciples, Kasyapa and Ananda
Ananda
Ānanda was one of the principal disciples and a devout attendant of the Buddha. Amongst the Buddha's many disciples, Ānanda had the most retentive memory and most of the suttas in the Sutta Pitaka are attributed to his recollection of the Buddha's teachings during the First Buddhist Council...
are now enshrine within Daejangjeon. The Sakyamuni Buddha is seated on an elaborately engraved Sumidan pedestal.
This single story hall has 3 rooms along the sides. Incorporating a hipped and gabled roof Daejangjeon represents the most elaborate style of this era. A few images along the top the hall's roof line reveals a hint of the hall's past as a wooden pagoda.
Daejangjeon's ceiling is lattice
Latticework
Latticework is a framework consisting of a criss-crossed pattern of strips of building material, typically wood or metal. The design is created by crossing the strips to form a network...
d. Interior construction utilizes two tiered multiclustered brackets on top of the columns in the middle section. Single tiered multiclustered brackets are utilized on top of the columns on the outer tie beams between the columns in each of the side sections.
The architectural study of this era's wooden pagodas is greatly enhanced by this small simple modified hall.
Seokdeung - Treasure #828
Geumsansaseokdeung (Stone lantern of Geumsansa Temple).Geumsansa Seokdeung (Stone Lamp), or lamp of enlightenment, located in the front yard of Daejangjeon Hall was used to light the front of the worship hall.
The lamp is made of granite and measures 3.9m/12.8 ft high. The stone lamp dates back to the Goryeo period (918-1392) but was moved to the present location in 1922.
The square foundation stone is carved with a double lotus pattern. The octagonal base has straight lines engraved along the length to represent the cosmos or to emulate pillars.
The upper section of the lamp is carved as a fully bloomed lotus.
The upper pedestal forms the base of the light camber. The light chamber in the upper octagonal section has windows on four sides. Decorative engravings of Lotus petals are found on both the base and upper part of the pedestal.