Returning to Its Roots: Goryeo Twin Lions Stone Lantern to Be Relocated from Museum to Yeoju Godalsaji

National Museum of Korea to Relocate "Yeoju Godalsaji Twin Lions Stone Lantern" to Original Site
Transfer Planned After Preservation and Scientific Study; Exact Date to Be Determined Later

The "Yeoju Godalsaji Twin Lions Stone Lantern," a national treasure currently displayed in the outdoor garden of the National Museum of Korea, will be returned to its original location, Godalsaji in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province. The museum plans to relocate the stone lantern to its original site after completing preservation treatment and scientific examination.

Front view of the Treasure "Yeoju Godal Temple Site Twin Lion Stone Lantern" exhibited in the outdoor garden of the National Museum of Korea. It is estimated to have been made in the early Goryeo period, characterized by two lions crouching and supporting the stone lantern. The museum plans to relocate it to its original site, the Yeoju Godal Temple Site, after preservation treatment and scientific investigation. National Museum of Korea

On September 9, the National Museum of Korea announced that, after extensive review and consultation with related organizations such as the Cultural Heritage Administration and Yeoju City, it has reached an agreement to return the stone lantern to its original location and has begun preparations for this move. In April, the Architecture Subcommittee of the National Heritage Committee under the Cultural Heritage Administration granted permission for modifications necessary for preservation treatment, and currently, the museum’s Conservation Science Division is carrying out the preservation work.

The Yeoju Godalsaji Twin Lions Stone Lantern is estimated to have been made in the early Goryeo period. Instead of the usual base stone, it features two lions supporting the lantern, distinguished by their crouching posture rather than standing with forepaws raised to directly hold the upper stone, which is typical of twin lions stone lanterns. This type of lantern first appeared during the Unified Silla period.

This relocation has significance as it restores a cultural asset kept in the museum to its original historical context. The museum will conduct preservation treatment, analytical studies, and academic research on the lantern, and will publish a comprehensive report before proceeding with the relocation. The exact timing of the move will be decided through consultation with related organizations, taking into account the schedules for preservation and the publication of the report.

When relocating stone cultural heritage items in its collection to their original sites, the museum considers conditions such as clear provenance, national designation and management of the original location as a cultural heritage site, clarity of management authority, and the assurance of safety for both exhibition and management. Restoration must be done in its original form, consistent with its intended function and use, and thorough scientific and detailed investigations must be conducted in advance. As Godalsaji is designated as a historic site, the museum judged that secure public access and management are possible. After the relocation, Yeoju City will assume responsibility for managing the stone lantern.

Yoo Hongjun, Director of the National Museum of Korea, stated, “The return of the Yeoju Godalsaji Twin Lions Stone Lantern to its original site is a meaningful step in restoring the context of our cultural heritage. At the same time, it means the lantern will encounter the changing environment of the site rather than the protection and management provided by the museum. After the transfer of management, I ask that the Cultural Heritage Administration and Yeoju City devote their utmost effort to its preservation and care.”

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