True Location of King Hyeonjong's Refuge 'Yongsangsa Temple Site' Confirmed

Excavation at Wolleong Mountain in Paju
Temple Foundations, Drainage Facility, and Geumgangnyeong Bell Unearthed

Aerial view of the presumed site of Yongsangsa Temple in Paju.

The true location of Yongsangsa Temple in Paju, where King Hyeonjong of Goryeo is said to have stayed while fleeing from the Khitan invasion, has been identified.

The National Seoul Cultural Heritage Research Institute announced on the 13th that it has been conducting excavations since last year at Wolleong Mountain in Paju, uncovering temple ruins dating from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty. Although historical records such as the "Sinjeung Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam" mention Yongsangsa Temple as being located on Wolleong Mountain, the precise location had remained unknown.

The institute began its excavation at a suspected site identified by the Buddhist Cultural Heritage Research Institute in 2010. Near the valley close to the summit of Wolleong Mountain, the team uncovered the foundations of three buildings, stone structures, walls, a drainage facility (used for discarding water offered to Buddha), and ondol (underfloor heating) systems. The remains showed overlapping traces from multiple periods spanning from the Goryeo to the Joseon Dynasty, indicating that the temple was maintained over a long period.

Metal artifacts excavated from the suspected water well site at Yongsangsa Temple Site in Paju.

Fragments of inlaid celadon, buncheong ware, and white porcelain were also unearthed. Notably, in the eastern pit, a Buddhist ritual bell (Geumgangnyeong), a bronze lampstand, a bronze spoon, and iron scissors were found buried together as a set.

The institute will hold a briefing session at the excavation site at 2 p.m. on the 15th.

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