Various Artifacts Unearthed Around 'Eumnae-dong Dangganjiju' in Asan City

Artifacts from Unified Silla to Mid-Goryeo Unearthed
Large Rectangular Building Sites Including Geumdangji Revealed

After two years of excavation work on the national treasure Asan Eumnae-dong Dangganjiju, various artifacts from the Unified Silla period to the mid-Goryeo period have been unearthed, revealing the scale of the temple.

On the 7th, Asan City and the Gagyeong Archaeological Research Institute announced that through excavation surveys around the Eumnae-dong Dangganjiju since 2023, they confirmed artifacts such as Jipseonmun roof tiles, Eogolmun roof tiles, roof tiles inscribed with the name of Gwaneumsa (觀音寺), goblin-patterned sumaksae, lotus-patterned sumaksae, and inscribed roof tiles naming donors, all dating from the Unified Silla to the mid-Goryeo period.

Additionally, this excavation survey identified four temple-related building sites, retaining wall facilities, a bell-casting facility where bells were made, stairs, and drainage channels.

In particular, a large square building site measuring 12.1 meters in length on both sides, with three bays in the front and three bays on the side, presumed to be the Geumdangji (the main hall housing the principal Buddha), was investigated, along with retaining wall facilities surrounding the Geumdangji and four staircases.

The foundation of the Geumdangji was constructed using stone materials in a frame-style foundation. Currently, 1 to 2 tiers remain at a height of 75 cm, but considering the lost upper capstones, it is estimated to have been taller and more grandiose.

To the east of the Geumdangji, a bell-casting facility was investigated, with the bell having a diameter of about 50 cm.

The city expects that more detailed facilities and artifacts will be unearthed in the forthcoming investigations.

Meanwhile, Eumnae-dong, where the Dangganjiju is located, has been a regional government office area since the Baekje period, serving as Tangjeong-gun in Baekje, Onsu-gun in Goryeo, and Onyang-gun in Joseon.

'Gwaneumsa' (觀音寺) Inscribed Roof Tile Discovered at the Dangganjiju Site in Eumnae-dong, Asan

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