The Ascetic Zen Master Seok Inseonsa Pagoda of the Moderated Solemn Beauty in the Seonjong Buddhist Dongri Sanmun
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik] Gokseong-gun (Governor Yoo Geun-gi) announced on the 17th that it is promoting the elevation of the Taeansa Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda to a National Treasure, a nationally designated cultural property.
The Taeansa Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda was constructed in 861 during the Unified Silla period to honor the late Jeokin Seonsa Monk Hyecheol and to enshrine his relics.
Since Taeansa is a renowned temple of the Seon sect's Dongri school and the origin of the Gusan Seon school, the importance of the Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda has been recognized.
It was designated as Treasure No. 273, a nationally designated cultural property, on January 21, 1963, and still stands as a representative cultural asset of Gokseong-gun.
Currently, Gokseong-gun is focusing on preliminary work to elevate the Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda to National Treasure status.
They plan to investigate the value and validity of the elevation and, based on the results, apply to the Cultural Heritage Administration for designation as a National Treasure.
To this end, they are promoting a comprehensive maintenance plan project for the Taeansa Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda to establish a preservation and management plan.
Additionally, with support from the Cultural Heritage Administration, they are preparing for a detailed excavation survey of the Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda and an academic conference in the first half of this year.
This aims to reexamine the historical and academic value of the Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda and secure the justification for its elevation to National Treasure status.
Furthermore, by promoting a Taeansa forest trail walking event within the year, they intend to increase residents' consensus and support for the National Treasure elevation.
A county official stated, “The Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda holds significant meaning not only in Buddhist history but also in cultural value. Its overall form exudes stability and possesses a very dignified elegance.” He added, “It is the only cultural property among Unified Silla stone pagodas whose all components, from the pedestal to the finial, remain intact without damage.”
He continued, “By promoting the elevation to National Treasure status, we will create an opportunity to enhance the prestige of our county’s cultural resources and the pride of local residents.”
Meanwhile, Gokseong-gun currently has a total of 49 cultural properties, including 12 nationally designated cultural properties (9 treasures, 2 national intangible cultural properties, 1 national folk cultural property), 33 provincially designated cultural properties, and 4 registered cultural properties.
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