Stele of Buddhist Monk Beopgyeong at Jeongtosa Temple Site, Chungju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.17

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

충주시, 충청북도— 충북 충주시 동량면 하천리 177-6번지

Coordinates

37.030622, 128.047032

This stele was built to commemorate the life and achievements of Buddhist Monk Beopgyeong in 943 (the 26th year of the reign of King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty) at Jeongtosa Temple, which is estimated to have been built in the late Silla or early Goryeo period. As the temple’s head monk, he raised many disciples up until his death in 941 (the 24th year of the reign of King Taejo). Even after his death, Monk Hongbeop continued raising disciples according to Beopgyeong’s teachings. The stele is well preserved and follows the typical style of the period. It features a supporting stone carved in the form of a tortoise and a roof stone in the form of a dragon. The roof stone contains an inscription about Beopgyeong’s life and works, which was composed by Choe Eon-wi, a fine writer of the period, and inscribed by Gu Jok-dal, a famous calligrapher. Buddhist Monk Beopgyeong was born in 879 (the 5th year of the reign of King Heongang) and became a monk at the age of 20. He went to Tang of China in 906 where he was taught by the Monk Dogeon, and returned to Korea in 924. Sometime thereafter, he was appointed as the head monk of Jeongtosa Temple by King Gyeongae. Upon his death aged 63 in 941 (the 24th year of the reign of King Taejo), King Taejo granted him the posthumous title of Beopgyeong and named the pagoda 'Jadeung'. The pagoda was stolen and taken to Japan. * The stele was transferred to another location due to the construction of Chungju Dam.

Location