Gokseong Taeansa Iljumun Gate, Announcement of Designation as National Cultural Heritage

Published 25 Aug.2023 18:09(KST)

Confirmation of the Establishment of 'Jogye Gate (조계문)' in 1521 (16th Year of King Jungjong)

Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Lee Sang-cheol) announced on the 25th that the Taeansa Iljumun Gate in Gokseong, a provincial cultural asset, is scheduled to be designated as a national cultural asset (treasure) as of August 28.

The Taeansa Iljumun Gate, the first building cultural asset in Gokseong-gun to be designated as a national cultural asset (treasure), was confirmed through the record of the ridge beam inscription found during restoration work in 2017 to have been originally built in 1521 (the 16th year of King Jungjong's reign) as the 'Jogye Gate (曹溪門)' during the early Joseon period. It also bears the signature of Prince Hyoryeong (1396?1486), the second son of King Taejong.

[Photo by Gokseong-gun]

During the Korean War, Taeansa was almost completely destroyed, but the Iljumun Gate, along with Neungpagak Pavilion, survived without being lost. On the front of the Iljumun Gate hangs a signboard reading 'Dongrisan Taeansa (桐裏山泰安寺)', and on the back, a signboard reading 'Bonghwangmun (鳳凰門)'.

Dragon heads (yongdu) are installed on the upper inside of the main pillars, and these dragon heads are elaborately and realistically depicted with two horns, large eyes, eyebrows, a wide-open mouth with teeth, and a mane on the back of the head.

Additionally, the style and structure of the bracket system (gongpo) clearly demonstrate the architectural techniques of the late Joseon period, indicating that the gate has been continuously restored since its original construction.

After a 30-day public notice period and review by the Cultural Heritage Committee of the Cultural Heritage Administration, the Taeansa Iljumun Gate is expected to be officially designated as a national cultural asset (treasure).

A county official stated, "It is a great honor that the Taeansa Iljumun Gate is designated as a national cultural asset. After the official designation, we will do our best to manage and preserve this precious cultural heritage."