'National Treasure Hwaeomsa Gakhwangjeon Stone Lantern' Returns to Its Original Place After 3 Years

Relocated to the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center for Restoration
Partial Restoration Conducted Over Three Years Since 2023
Damage Repaired Using Precision Techniques Such as 3D Scanning
Restoration Ceremony Scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on November 5

The scene at the time of partial dismantling and re-erection ceremony of the stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple in 2023. Provided by Hwaeomsa Temple

The stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon Hall at Hwaeomsa Temple, designated as National Treasure No. 12, which had been temporarily relocated for partial restoration, is returning to its original place.

According to Monk Wooseok, the head of Hwaeomsa Temple, the 19th parish of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism on Jirisan Mountain, the stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon Hall, which was moved to the Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center of the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage under the National Heritage Administration for partial dismantling and restoration in 2023, will return to Hwaeomsa Temple after approximately three years of restoration work.

Hwaeomsa Temple plans to hold a ceremony commemorating the restoration of the stone lantern at 1:30 p.m. on November 5.

The stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon Hall, which has illuminated Hwaeomsa Temple for over 1,300 years, stands at 6.4 meters tall, making it the largest of its kind in Korea.

The stone lantern has undergone repairs a total of three times: in 1961, 1986, and 2009. In 1961, it underwent a complete dismantling and restoration, with the foundation reinforced using concrete. In 1986, areas where the shaft stone and roof stone had separated due to exfoliation were treated with resin or rejoined. In 2009, the entire lantern was cleaned using both dry and wet methods.

The Cultural Heritage Conservation Science Center explained, "Since May 2023, we have conducted precise analyses of the damaged areas and their causes using 3D scanning and structural modeling. Through analysis of organic residues and inorganic contaminants, we confirmed traces of combustion remaining on the surface of the components."

They added, "The Hwasa stone and the upper platform stone, which had been broken into seven and three pieces respectively, were reinforced with titanium rods of appropriate diameter and length to maximize structural stability, thereby ensuring durability and strength."

They further stated, "After three years of research and conservation treatment, all issues related to physical damage and structural instability have been resolved. The entire project will conclude with the publication of a report documenting the conservation and restoration process of the stone lantern, scheduled for release in 2026."

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