Stele of Great Master Bogwang from Bogwangsa Temple Site, Buyeo

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.107

Category

Books & Records

Era

고려 공민왕 7년(1358)

Designated year

1963

Location

부여군, 충청남도— 충남 부여군 부여읍 금성로 5, 국립부여박물관 (동남리)

Coordinates

36.275683, 126.918097

This stele was erected at Bogwangsa Temple for Great Master Bogwang (State preceptor Wonmyeong) who is credited with having renovated and expanded the temple. It was originally located in Seongjusan Mountain, Buyeo of Chungcheongnam-do but was moved to the Buyeo National Museum in 1963. The inscriptions of the stele were written on two different occasions; the one on its front was inscribed in 1358 (the 7th year of the reign of King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty) when the stele was erected, with the other on the back added in 1750 (the 26th year of the reign of King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty). According to the inscription on the front of the stele, state preceptor Wonmyeong became a priest when he was 19, serving at Seonwonsa Temple until he died there at the age of 65 in 1351 (the 1st year of the reign of King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty). It states that, since he left a will stipulating that his disciples should not erect his stele, this stele was not made until 6 years after his death. Moreover, the inscription on the back says that the temple was rebuilt after it was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, and that the stele was inscribed again by Seok Neung-il, the head monk of the temple at the time. Only the body of the stele, made of granite whose top edges are cut, remains without the pedestal and capstone on top. Vined designs are engraved to adorn the edges of the memorial stone. Also called "Stele to Commemorate the Restoration of Bogwangsa Temple," this stele is a good material for studying the simplified stele style of the late Goryeo Dynasty and the Buddhist history.

Location