Beopcheonsa Temple Site, Wonju

Basic information

Designation

Historic Site No.466

Category

유적지

Designated year

2005

Location

원주시, 강원특별자치도— 강원 원주시 부론면 법천리 629번지 외

Coordinates

37.209126, 127.761861

In records such as Goryeosa (History of the Goryeo Dynasty), Sinjeung dongguk yeoji seungnam (New Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea), and Dongmunseon (Anthology of Korean Literature), Beopcheonsa was a mountain temple built in the late Silla period; it continued to be remodeled during the Goryeo Dynasty. It was a famous temple of the consciousness-only school of Buddhism (Beopsang Order), one of the two major schools of Buddhism at the time together with the Avatamsaka school (Hwaeom Order), flourishing under the leadership of monk Jeong Hyeon. State Preceptor Jigwang, with the patronage of the royal court, returned to Beopcheonsa upon retirement. The temple thrived but was totally destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. The Stupa of State Preceptor Jigwang (National Treasure No.101), considered to be the finest stupa in Korea, and the Stele for State Preceptor Jigwang (National Treasure No. 59) were erected in Beopcheonsa by King Munjong. Later, the Japanese moved the stupa to Gyeongbokgung Palace, but the sites of the stupa and stele and flagpole supports remain. The four excavations from 2001 to 2004 revealed 19 building sites whose dates span the Unified Silla up to Joseon, 3 well sites, and remains of stone embankments, walls, and stairs as well as relics such as gilt-bronze standing Buddha and lotus pedestal including all kinds of roof tiles and ceramics. Thus, the temple site is important in the study of the history of Korean Buddhism.

Location