Gokseong County, Taeansa's 'Safe and Sajeokgi' Designated as Jeonnam Cultural Heritage

High Value in Buddhist Culture, Craftsmanship, and Academic Significance

Geumgo (Gold Drum) and Sajukgi (Record of Historical Events) Collection from Taeansa Temple in Gokseong. Provided by Gokseong County

Gokseong County, Jeonnam (Governor Jo Sangrae) announced on the 7th that the "Geumgo (Bronze Drum)" and the "Sajeokgi (Historical Records) Collection" of Taeansa Temple have been designated as Jeonnam Provincial Tangible Cultural Heritage. As a result, the number of national heritage items in Gokseong County has increased from 54 to 56.

The Taeansa Temple Geumgo was created in 1770 (the 4th year of King Yeongjo’s reign), with a diameter of 83 cm and a thickness of 18.8 cm. The Geumgo is a bronze drum, one of the ritual instruments used in temples. Through the engraved inscription on the side of the Taeansa Temple Geumgo, the date of creation, the temple where it was enshrined, and the maker can be identified. Its large size, outstanding artistry, and expressive patterns give it significant value in the history of Buddhist crafts.

The Taeansa Temple Sajeokgi Collection consists of the "Dongrisan Taeansa Sajeok" and 12 other volumes, which are handwritten records about Taeansa Temple from the late Joseon Dynasty to the modern era. These documents provide information on the history of each hall in Taeansa Temple, the successive head monks, Buddhist projects of the time, and temple management. Recognized for their historical and academic value in the context of Buddhist cultural history and rural society, they have been designated as tangible cultural heritage.

Governor Jo Sangrae stated, "We will continue to do our best to actively discover and designate valuable cultural heritage in our county for their preservation and transmission."