▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows the embankment layer discovered in Ssangbuk-ri, Buyeo County. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

SEOUL, Aug. 28 (Yonhap) -- Relics and earthen layers believed to be from a Baekje-era temple have been confirmed in Buyeo, South Chungcheong Province, officials said Thursday.

 

The National Buyeo Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, under the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage of the Korea Heritage Service, said it carried out the 18th survey of the Gwanbuk-ri site in Buyeo-eup in cooperation with the Buyeo County Office between June and July. The excavation confirmed an earthen layer about 1 meter thick that had been piled up in stages.

 

The agency said the layer applied Baekje’s typical horizontal fill-and-rammed earth construction method, usually used in major structures such as palaces, suggesting that an important building may have existed at the site.

 

▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows the clay statues and burnt roof tile fragments unearthed in Ssangbuk-ri, Buyeo County. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

 

Excavations also uncovered charred roof tile fragments, a “gwangbae” (Buddha’s halo), a “hwabul” (miniature Buddha depicted on halos or statues), and fragments of clay statues, including parts shaped like robes. The halo’s flame pattern border was painted with gold pigment, while robe parts were found to have been colored with paint. This marks the first discovery of gold pigment used in clay Buddhist statues from the Three Kingdoms period.

 

The service said the finds suggest a temple may have stood in the area and provide important insight into clay statue-making techniques in Buyeo during that time. The institute plans to extend the distribution survey across the entire Ssangbuk-ri area through May next year and set a direction for site preservation.

 

▲ This photo provided by the Korea Heritage Service (KHS) shows the details of gilt painting applied to the flame pattern of a halo fragment. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

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