Review of the Research History of the Relics Excavated from the Temple Site in Gunsu-ri, Buyeo

Abstract

This report attempts to arrange the research history of the major remains and relics excavated from the Temple Site in Gunsu-ri, Buyeo, with a view to promoting inter-academy studies on the results of the excavation of the site, which dates from the Sabi Period of Baekje (538-660). Chapter II introduces the background to the discovery of the temple site in Gunsu-ri, which was the first such site to be found in Buyeo during the Japanese colonial era, and its investigation process, and then summarizes the report that was published after the excavation and investigation, the academic report published after 1945, and the database material and re-written report on the excavated relics. Chapter III describes the research results and the issues related to the remains found at the center of the temple, including the main hall and wooden pagoda sites. Regarding the main hall site, this chapter introduces the issues related to a double stylobate, a foundation stone (found between the top and bottom stylobates), and a stylobate made of roof tiles; while, regarding the wooden pagoda, it explains the importance of studying the method of “mounding” the foundation soil, and discusses the presence of a steep road (to transport stones), an underground-style foundation stone (which supported the main pillar), and the method of installing the reliquaries. In addition, it explains which kinds of building remains need to be clarified and compared to other temples in Buyeo. Chapter IV covers the research results and issues related to the major relics excavated from this site in terms of art history, archaeology, and the history of architecture. In particular, it explains the significance of two Buddhist statues found at the site, namely the Pyrophyllite Stone Seated Buddha and the Gilt-bronze Standing Bodhisattva, in terms of the history of sculpture in Korea; the importance of leaf decoration fragments made of clay; and the importance and issues related to convex roof-tiles and concave roof-tiles in terms of general roof tile studies in ancient East Asia. The temple site in Gunsu-ri exhibits the typical characteristics of a Buddhist temple that was built during the Sabi period of Baekje, and whose major remains and relics represent the universality of Baekje’s temples.