Namyangju City Gets Its First National Treasure... Bongseonsa Temple Bell Elevated 63 Years After Treasure Designation

National Treasure designation ceremony held at Bongseonsa Temple in Namyangju... 1469 royal-commissioned bell
Mayor Choi Hyeondeok: "We will share its historical significance with residents and work to preserve and pass it on"

The Namyangju Bell of Bongseonsa Temple, made by King Yejong of Joseon to pray for the repose of the soul of his predecessor, King Sejo, has been elevated to National Treasure status, 63 years after being designated a Treasure. It is the first National Treasure from Namyangju City.

Bongseonsa Temple's bronze bell. Provided by Namyangju City.

Namyangju City, Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Choi Hyeondeok), announced that a ceremony marking the designation of the Bell of Bongseonsa Temple as a National Treasure was held on October 28 at Bongseonsa Temple, which belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism.

The ceremony was attended by Namyangju Mayor Choi Hyeondeok, Korea Heritage Service Administrator Heo Min, officials from the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, officials from Gyeonggi Province and Namyangju City, and local residents. The event was organized to celebrate the National Treasure designation, which took place on April 23, and to share the bell's historical value and significance.

The ceremony included the Three Refuges ceremony, welcoming remarks and congratulatory speeches. Administrator Heo Min presented the National Treasure designation certificate to Venerable Hosan, the abbot of Bongseonsa Temple.

Mayor Choi Hyundeok greets a monk with a handshake at the ceremony marking the Bongsunsa Temple Bell’s elevation to National Treasure status. Provided by Namyangju City.

The Bell of Bongseonsa Temple was made in 1469 by King Yejong, the eighth king of Joseon, to pray for the repose of King Sejo's soul, and was enshrined at Bongseonsa Temple. It was designated a Treasure in 1963 and elevated to National Treasure status this year.

Among large bells made at the behest of the royal family in the early Joseon period, it is the only one that remains at the site where it was originally enshrined. Its excellent state of preservation and outstanding historical and artistic value have earned it recognition as a representative cultural heritage item showcasing the style of Joseon-era bells.

Mayor Choi Hyeondeok shakes hands with a monk at the ceremony marking the Bongsunsa Temple Bell's elevation to National Treasure status. Provided by Namyangju City.

Mayor Choi Hyeondeok said, "The elevation of the Bell of Bongseonsa Temple to National Treasure status is a meaningful achievement that enhances Namyangju's historical and cultural value. We will continue to share the historical significance of our cultural heritage with residents and work to preserve and pass on these precious assets."

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