Jeonnam Province Designates "Damyang Boriammyung Iron Gate Well" as Provincial Cultural Heritage

A Concrete Glimpse into Temple Life and Culture

Damyang Boriammyung Iron Gate Repair. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province has newly designated the "Damyang Boriammyung Iron Gate Well" as a provincial designated cultural heritage (tangible) in order to systematically preserve and manage cultural assets with historical and artistic value in the region.

This designation recognizes the well not only for its high artistic value as a benchmark work in the history of late Joseon Buddhist craftsmanship, but also as an important example that vividly illustrates aspects of temple life and culture.

The Damyang Boriammyung Iron Gate Well is believed to have been used in the temple for storing water for daily use and fire prevention. The inscription engraved on its surface allows for the precise identification of its production year (1803), the temple where it was used, as well as the names of its makers and the sponsoring monks. In particular, it is highly valued as a rare example of a round iron well, in contrast to the rectangular stone water troughs that were commonly used, highlighting its significance as a cultural asset.

Kang Hyoseok, Director of the Culture and Prosperity Bureau of Jeonnam Province, stated, "This designation is a meaningful case that sheds new light on the value of cultural heritage combining temple life and traditional techniques of the Joseon Dynasty."

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Jeonnam Province has also announced its intention to designate the "Ancient Documents Preserved at Goheung Muyeolsa Shrine" as a provincial cultural heritage. These documents, spanning five generations of the family of Jin Museong (1566-1638), who was awarded first-class merit as a military official during the Japanese invasions of Korea (Imjin War), are regarded as valuable resources for understanding the activities of military families and rural society in the late Joseon period. Jeonnam Province plans to collect public opinions for 30 days following the announcement and will make a final decision through deliberation by the Provincial Cultural Heritage Committee.

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