"Yeongcheon Cheongje Monument" Depicting Silla's Response to Natural Disasters Elevated to National Treasure

After 56 Years as a Treasure Since 1969
Contains Details of Public Works Undertaken by the State

A stele that demonstrates how the people of Silla responded to natural disasters will now be managed as a National Treasure.

Front side of Cheongje Construction Cost and back side of Cheongje Repair Cost

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on June 20 that the "Yeongcheon Cheongje Monument," which was designated as a Treasure in 1969, has been elevated to the status of National Treasure after 56 years. The stele stands next to a reservoir known as "Cheongmot." It is composed of the Cheongje Construction and Repair Monument and the Cheongje Neutrality Monument, with inscriptions carved directly into a natural stone without a separate pedestal or capstone. The front and back of the stone each bear inscriptions, and the overall condition is well-preserved enough for the text to be legible.

The front side, known as the Cheongje Construction Monument, records the completion of a major embankment in the "○Takgok" region in the 23rd year of King Beopheung of Silla (536), as well as the scale of the project and the number of people mobilized. The script is a free-spirited Silla calligraphic style from the 6th century. The back side, the Cheongje Repair Monument, details the completion of embankment repairs in the 14th year of King Wonseong (798), including the course of the repairs, those responsible for the work, and the construction period.

The Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "This is a cultural asset that shows the public works undertaken by the state to overcome natural disasters such as floods and droughts, which were frequent in the 6th century and from the late 8th to the 9th century in Silla history."

Blue Banner Neutrality Monument

The Cheongje Neutrality Monument records the fact that in 1688, the Cheongje Construction and Repair Monument, which had been buried underground, was re-erected. The calligraphy follows the archaic Silla style.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "It is an important source for examining the political, social, and economic conditions of Silla," adding, "Its value is significant as it has been preserved in its original location to this day."