Geumsansa Temple: Seokdeung Lantern

[Narration]
If you look towards the front part of Daejangjeon Hall, you can see the Seokdeung Lantern in the light of the sanctuary ahead.

The Seokdeung Lantern stands at a total of 3.9 meters tall, and has been designated as No. 828 treasure.

It originally stood in front of Mireukjeon Hall, but was moved and erected in front of Daejangjeon Hall in 1922.

The upper octagonal section of the Seokdeung Lantern has a light chamber at its centre, and below it is the under support, the middle pillar, and the upper stone support. Above it, a ‘stone headpiece’ is placed on the upper stone.
The broad under support is a circular plane on which eight lotus leaves are carved, and the middle pillar above is contrastingly narrow.
The upper stone support is larger and heavier than the lower support, with the eight lotus leaves sculpted onto the front of the circular plane.

A chamber with four windows was also made allowing the light of the lantern to emanate.
There is also a low windowsill and three holes bored into the right and left sides, evidence that window coverings were once attached.
Only these window coverings have been removed, leaving an almost perfect lantern shape. The lantern is made in a style common to the Baekje Dynasty, but is estimated to be a Goryeo Dynasty relic.

Owing to the flower decoration and techniques used to sculpt the upper stone.
The upper stone is covered like that of a stone roof, lantern or tower, and the flower is decoratively carved as if set up as a cornerstone.
The Seokdeung Lantern is a valuable cultural artifact of Geumsansa Temple, and has maintained its original form in spite of the many changes undergone by the temple.
Next, let’s go and see Myeongbujeon Hall, located to the right of Daejangjeon Hall.