Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 60
Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Stele of National Preceptor Jigwang at Beopcheonsa Temple Site
(Wonju, Gangwon-do)
🏯 1. A Monument to a National Teacher
At the historic site of Beopcheonsa Temple Site in Wonju, rises the imposing Stele of National Preceptor Jigwang (Jigwang Guksa Tapbi).
Erected in the early Goryeo period (11th century), this monument honors National Preceptor Jigwang, a revered monk whose wisdom guided both the Buddhist community and the royal court.
The title Guksa—National Teacher—reflects the deep respect afforded to monks who shaped the moral and spiritual direction of the nation.
This stele stands not only as a memorial, but as a declaration that wisdom, once realized, deserves remembrance.
🪨 2. Form, Sculpture, and Calligraphy
The monument follows the classical three-part stele composition:
a turtle-shaped base (bixi) symbolizing longevity and steadfastness,
an upright stone slab engraved with an inscription,
and an elaborately carved capstone adorned with dragons entwined around a sacred jewel.
The carving is refined and dynamic.
The dragons seem to coil with restrained energy, while the turtle base grounds the monument in quiet stability.
The inscription, composed in elegant classical prose, is a masterpiece of Goryeo epigraphy.
Its calligraphy balances clarity and rhythm, transforming text into visual art —
a union of literature, philosophy, and stone craftsmanship.
🌄 3. The Legacy of Jigwang Guksa
National Preceptor Jigwang was known for his disciplined scholarship and spiritual authority.
He emphasized harmony between doctrinal study and meditative practice, shaping Korean Buddhism during a formative era.
The grandeur of his stele mirrors the significance of his role.
Yet beneath its scale lies a simple truth:
that leadership in Buddhism is rooted not in power, but in insight and humility.
Standing before the monument, one senses the weight of history —
not as burden, but as continuity.
🌿 4. Preservation and Cultural Significance
The Stele of National Preceptor Jigwang is regarded as one of the finest stone monuments of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Its structural integrity and sculptural detail remain remarkably preserved despite nearly a millennium of exposure.
Designated National Treasure No. 60, it provides invaluable insight into Goryeo religious art, political culture, and literary tradition.
Today, the monument stands amid open sky and quiet ground —
a reminder that the written word, when carved with conviction, can outlast kingdoms.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“This stone carries more than inscription.
It carries a life of discipline,
a nation’s respect,
and the enduring truth
that wisdom leaves a mark deeper than time.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉 National Heritage Portal.