Buyeo Gunsu-ri Temple Site

About this place

The Buyeo Gunsu-ri Temple Site is the remains of an anonymous Baekje temple in Gunsu-ri, Buyeo. Investigated by Japanese scholars in 1935, the survey revealed a layout in which a central gate, wooden pagoda, main hall (geumdang), and lecture hall were arranged on a north–south axis — the 'one-pagoda, one-main-hall' configuration. This layout was first confirmed at Gunsu-ri; subsequent research established it as the standard Baekje temple plan. The main hall's foundation platform is distinctive in that it was built by stacking roof tiles. Artefacts were recovered throughout the site: gold crown fragments appeared south of the lecture hall; approximately 1,150 jade and glass beads came from around the main hall and pagoda base; and west of the main hall, gilt-bronze bells and boot-shaped gold fittings were found. Beautifully carved box-shaped bricks with lotus and scroll designs, gold rings, small beads, and many other objects were also unearthed. From the pagoda core were recovered the Gunsu-ri Gilt-Bronze Standing Maitreya Bodhisattva (Treasure), the Gunsu-ri Stone Seated Buddha (Treasure), an iron sword, iron nails, a tripod earthenware vessel, and other ceramics.