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National Treasure

Documents of Sangwonsa Temple, Pyeongchang

평창 상원사 중창권선문 ( 平昌 上院寺 重創勸善文 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Documents of Sangwonsa Temple, Pyeongchang
Quantity 2 Items
Designated Date 1997.01.01
Age The 9th year of the reign of King Sejo of Joseon (1464)
Address Woljeongsa Museum, 63, Dongsan-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

This is a book of two volumes, containing letters written by King Sejo and the replies by Hyegakjonja, Sinmi (a reverend monk, Royal Mentor). Upon hearing that Sinmi was rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple in Odaesan Mountain, wishing for the King's long life, King Sejo sent letters together with gifts of rice, cotton, hemp cloth and steel, and Sinmi wrote back to the King after receiving the royal gifts. One of the two volumes, written in pure Chinese characters, features different sugyeols (a form of signature used in Joseon Dynasty before chops were widely accepted in late 19th century) of Sinmi such as 'Sinmi', 'Hagyeol' and 'Hakjo' along with sugyeols and official seals of King Sejo and the crown prince. The other volume has the gwonseonmun (encouraging letter) both in Chinese characters and a translated version in Hangeul, with sugyeol and an official seal at the end. This book is an invaluable material for studies in Old Korean, offering a glimpse of the relationship between royal household and Buddhist scholars.