Bronze Bell of Later Baekje Discovered at Jangsu Daejeokgol

Jeonju Cultural Heritage Research Institute Uncovers Large Amounts of Pottery, Celadon Fragments, and Roof Tiles
Smelting Furnace, Danya Furnace, Presumed Melting Furnace, and Molds Also Confirmed

Bronze Bell from the Later Baekje Period Discovered at Daejeokgol Site, Jangsu-gun

A bronze bell from the Later Baekje period was excavated at the Daejeokgol site in Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk.

The Jeonju Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced on the 26th that they conducted an investigation in the area of San 154-1, Myeongdeok-ri, Janggyemyeon, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk, and discovered numerous iron-making relics presumed to be from the Later Baekje to the Joseon Dynasty. These include a small bronze bell, pottery, celadon fragments, and roof tiles. They also identified smelting furnaces (kilns used to melt iron ore to produce iron), tuyere furnaces (furnaces necessary for heating iron materials), presumed melting furnaces, molds (frames used to cast objects by pouring molten metal), production kilns, and slag pits. This is the first time a large quantity of iron-making relics has been excavated in the eastern Honam region.

The most eye-catching artifact is the small bronze bell. Although small in size, measuring 26.5 cm in height and 10 to 15.6 cm in diameter, it fully retains the shape of a beomjong (Brahma bell). The dragon-shaped loop (yongnyu) for hanging features a dragon and a sound tube (eumtong) carved on it. The edge of the dragon loop’s base, which is also the ceiling plate of the bell, is adorned with standing floral patterns (ipsanghwamun).

The top and bottom of the bell are decorated with floral branch patterns (dangchomunyang). Below the upper part, there are four lotus frames (yeongwak), each protruding convexly with lotus bud-shaped ornaments (yeonroe). The body of the bell has two lotus-patterned striking points (dangjwa) where the hammer strikes the bell. Between them, two Buddha and Bodhisattva figures sitting on lotus seats with hands joined in prayer are decorated.

An official explained, “The beomjong is made of copper and is called a bronze bell. It signals time, especially for offerings and worship.” He added, “Small bronze bells have been excavated in places like Gyeongju, but this is the first time one has been found in the Jeonbuk region.” He further expressed hope that “this will be a good example to infer the diverse characteristics of the Daejeokgol site.”

In the nearby area, four smelting furnaces, two tuyere furnaces, one presumed melting furnace, one stone retaining structure, and slag pits were confirmed. The four smelting furnaces appear to be overlapping. They are shaped like rounded squares and were constructed using clay. The smelting furnaces contained tuyere parts and bellows openings. The tuyere facilities and presumed melting furnace were made using clay and stone materials. The slag pit measures approximately 35 meters in length, 20 cm in width, and about 2.5 meters in depth. It revealed layers of furnace walls (nobyeok) made of clay mixed with crushed stones or organic materials like straw, furnace slag (non-extruded iron residues remaining inside the furnace), and outflow slag (impurities with lower melting points than iron that melted first and solidified after flowing out).

The investigation also uncovered a mold production kiln and slag pits. An official stated, “We were able to confirm the entire iron-making process from iron ore mining to casting or forging,” and added, “We will continue systematic and ongoing academic research to clarify the nature of the site.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.