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| yna@yna.co.kr 2026-03-04 10:13:32
SEOUL, March 4 (Yonhap) -- The large bronze bell at Bongseonsa Temple in Gyeonggi Province — regarded as a standard example of Joseon-era bell design — is set to be elevated to National Treasure status.
The Korea Heritage Service announced Wednesday that it has given prior notice of its plan to designate the “Namyangju Bongseonsa Temple Bell” as a National Treasure. The bell was first designated as a Treasure in 1963, making this promotion the first in about 63 years.
The bell is a large bronze work created in the early Joseon period. King Yejong (r. 1468–1469), the eighth ruler of Joseon, commissioned it to pray for the repose of his father, King Sejo (r. 1455–1468). It was produced and enshrined at Bongseonsa Temple, built near Gwangneung, where King Sejo is buried.
Made of bronze and standing about 2.3 meters tall, the bell is considered a representative artifact that completed the stylistic form of early Joseon bells. While partially incorporating elements commonly seen in Chinese bells, it adds distinctive Korean decorative motifs and remains in its original pavilion at Bongseonsa.
The bell inscription, or jujonggi (record of the bell’s casting), is also of high scholarly value. The text was composed by Kang Hui-maeng (1424–1483), a noted literary figure and painter of the time, and calligraphed by Jeong Nan-jong (1433–1489).
The heritage agency explained that the bell “serves as a benchmark that established the archetype of Joseon bronze bells in the stylistic history of Korean temple bells,” underscoring the need for its designation and protection as a National Treasure.
In addition, the agency announced plans to designate two other artifacts as Treasures.
One is Celadon Inlaid Bowl with Twin Dragons and Chrysanthemum Design, a Goryeo-era celadon piece believed to date to the 13th century. Larger than typical bowls and without a foot, it features wave patterns and two dragons carved on the inner base. Given its sophisticated technique and rare twin-dragon motif, officials believe it was likely used by the royal court or a related government office.
The other is the “Portrait of Yu Hyo-geol and Chest,” encompassing a Joseon-era portrait and its storage box. Yu Hyo-geol (1594–1627) was named a second-class meritorious subject for suppressing the 1624 rebellion led by Yi Gwal (1587–1624). The portrait, passed down through his family, offers valuable insight into the format and iconography of 17th-century meritorious subject portraits.
The agency also plans to expand the existing Treasure designation of the “Collection of Portraits of Yun Jeung,” originally designated in 2006, by adding one more portrait and one related record titled Yeongdang Gijeok, which documents the production process of the portraits.
Yun Jeung (1629–1714), a prominent late-Joseon scholar, had his family commission updated copies (imobon) of his portrait at certain intervals, inviting leading painters of each era. These copies, made by observing and reproducing the original, reflect the distinctive styles and techniques of their respective periods and are considered highly valuable in art history.
The additional portrait slated for designation was painted in 1885 by Yi Han-cheol (1808–?). The Yeongdang Gijeok is particularly meaningful as it predates the already designated materials.
Following a 30-day public notice period to gather opinions, the Korea Heritage Service will finalize the National Treasure and Treasure designations after deliberation by the Cultural Heritage Committee.
[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]