Stele of State Preceptor Beopin at Bowonsa Temple Site, Seosan

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.106

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 경종 3년(978)

Designated year

1963

Location

서산시, 충청남도— 충남 서산시 운산면 용현리 119-2번지

Coordinates

36.761161, 126.600813

This stele for State Preceptor Beobin is situated at the Bowonsa Temple Site in Seosan. Little is known about the origins of Bowonsa Temple, also known as "Goransa Temple," although historians believe - judging by the relics found at the site - that it was once a huge temple. The stele has the standard design of stelae of that period, consisting of a turtle-shaped pedestal, an inscribed stone slab and a carved capstone. The turtle has a long extended neck and a dragon-like head with bulging eyes, backward-curling whiskers, and a cintamani, or magic pearl, in its mouth. The back of the turtle supports a three-tiered pedestal, upon which the stone slab is erected. The capstone is carved with images of clouds and dragons on each of its four corners. According to the stele’s inscription, Beobin became State Preceptor in 974 (the 25th year of the reign of King Gwangjong of the Goryeo Dynasty) and died in 975. The stele was erected in 978 (the third year of the reign of King Gyeongjong). This huge structure is decorated with typical patterns of its period.

Location