Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)
The exact founding date of Munsusa Temple is unknown because there are no official records
that have been discovered. The temple is estimated to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, because
a prayer found at the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha in the temple’s Geungnaksiljeon Hall (hall of
paradise) in 1973 dates back to 1346. Around 600 items were discovered along with the prayer,
including unbleached ramie cloth, a short-sleeved gown, rice, and barley. Munsunsa has the
tranquil atmosphere of a mountain temple. When spring arrives, cherry blossom flowers and wild
flowers bloom across the mountain and the nearby cattle farm call to mind a traditional Korean
painting.
Munsusa Geungnaksiljeon Hall is a beautiful building constructed according to Jusimpo style
(the column brackets placed only on top of the columns) combined with Dapo style (the
column brackets placed between columns as well as on top of the columns). It is designated as
Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 13. Inside the gorgeously and majestically
carved hall are many relics including Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha, Samsebulsang statues (statues
of Buddhas of Three Times (past, present and future)), Nahansang statues (statues of disciples of
Buddha), and various portraits of Buddha.
The Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (x_height: 70cm, length between knees: 50cm) was created in
1346 (the second year of King Chungmok’s reign, the29th king of the Goryeo Dynasty). It is one
of the fine examples of late Goryo dynasty style Buddha statue along with Gilt-bronze Seated
Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Janggoksa Temple (Treasure No.337).
