Documents of Sangwonsa Temple, Pyeongchang

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.292

Category

Books & Records

Era

조선 세조 10년(1464)

Designated year

1997

Location

평창군, 강원특별자치도— 강원도 평창군 오대산로 176 (진부면, 월정사성보박물관)

Coordinates

37.731592, 128.592469

This is a book of two volumes, containing letters written by King Sejo and the replies by Hyegakjonja, Sinmi (a reverend monk, Royal Mentor). Upon hearing that Sinmi was rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple in Odaesan Mountain, wishing for the King's long life, King Sejo sent letters together with gifts of rice, cotton, hemp cloth and steel, and Sinmi wrote back to the King after receiving the royal gifts. One of the two volumes, written in pure Chinese characters, features different sugyeols (a form of signature used in Joseon Dynasty before chops were widely accepted in late 19th century) of Sinmi such as 'Sinmi', 'Hagyeol' and 'Hakjo' along with sugyeols and official seals of King Sejo and the crown prince. The other volume has the gwonseonmun (encouraging letter) both in Chinese characters and a translated version in Hangeul, with sugyeol and an official seal at the end. This book is an invaluable material for studies in Old Korean, offering a glimpse of the relationship between royal household and Buddhist scholars.

Location