"Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell, Embodying Early Joseon Aesthetics, to Become a National Treasure"

Commissioned by King Yejong to Honor His Late Father
The Only Large Royal Bell to Remain in Its Original Location

Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell in Namyangju

A masterpiece of early Joseon Dynasty bronze bell style will be promoted to National Treasure status. The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on March 4 that it will designate the "Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell in Namyangju," which has been listed as a Treasure since 1963, as a National Treasure among state-designated cultural properties. Over the next month, the agency will collect public opinions from various sectors and complete the designation process following a review by the Cultural Heritage Committee.

This bronze bell was produced by order of King Yejong, the eighth monarch of the Joseon Dynasty, who founded Bongseonsa Temple to pray for the repose of his late father. The bell is regarded as a quintessential example of Joseon-era bronze bells, reflecting unique Korean decorative elements while partially adopting Chinese stylistic features.

The inscription detailing the background of the bell's production and its craftsmen was composed by Kang Huimaeng (1424–1483) and written by Jeong Nanjong (1433–1489). Some of the artisans mentioned in the record also participated in the creation of the Heungcheonsa Temple Bronze Bell and the former Bosingak Pavilion Bell.

The Bongseonsa Temple Bronze Bell is the only large royal bell from early Joseon that has never been relocated. It still resides in the original bell pavilion of Bongseonsa Temple, where it was first enshrined. Its preservation state is outstanding, with no cracks or structural flaws.

The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "There is a need to designate and protect this bell as a National Treasure, as it serves as the standard for Joseon Dynasty bronze bell style."

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