South Korea's Largest Stone Lantern at Hwaeomsa Returns to Original Site After Three Years of Conservation

A 6.14-Meter-Tall Masterpiece of Unified Silla
Cracks Restored, Structural Stability Secured

Stone Lantern Restoration Process

The largest stone lantern in South Korea is returning to its original location after three years of conservation work.

The National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the National Heritage Administration announced on October 30 that conservation treatment of the National Treasure, the 'Stone Lantern in Front of Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye,' has been completed. A restoration ceremony will be held at Hwaeomsa Temple on November 5.

This stone lantern, standing at 6.14 meters tall, is the largest of its kind in the country. It is a representative work of the Unified Silla period, renowned for its sculpted fully bloomed lotus and the majestic form of its roof stone.

Stone Lantern Restoration Process

However, cracks were found in the section where the light is placed and in the upper pedestal stone, resulting in an 'E grade' assessment, indicating structural instability. In 2022, some components were dismantled and moved to the Daejeon Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center for detailed preservation work.

The center analyzed damaged areas using 3D scanning technology, identified traces of burning on the stone surface, and investigated the biological species attached to the lantern's exterior.

The most significant issue was that the lighting section and the upper pedestal stone were broken into seven and three pieces, respectively. The center inserted titanium reinforcement rods inside the lantern to ensure durability and structural strength.

Stone Lantern in Front of Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye, Fully Restored

After three years of work, all physical defects and structural instability issues of the stone lantern have been resolved. The center plans to publish a report summarizing the restoration process next year. An official stated, "Large-scale stone cultural heritage requires precise analysis and advanced techniques, making continuous national-level support essential."

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