Ancient lantern returns to Korean temple after museum stay
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The Korea Heritage Service will move a 10th-century stone lantern back to the Godalsa Temple Site in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, where it originally stood.
The lantern, known as the Twin-Lion Stone Lantern, spent decades at the National Museum of Korea after being discovered fallen at the temple site. Villagers initially kept the lantern before it moved to the garden of a wedding hall in Seoul’s Jongno District in 1950.
The agency designated the lantern as a Treasure in 1963, recognizing its historical and artistic value. The Twin-Lion Stone Lantern differs from other similar lanterns in Korea because its lion figures crouch instead of standing upright. Experts believe this design choice reflects the Goryeo Dynasty’s innovative approach to stone carving. The Korea Heritage Service is collaborating with the National Museum of Korea and the city of Yeoju to complete the relocation.
Godalsa Temple Site itself holds official designation as a Historic Site, acknowledging its importance to Korean heritage. The lantern’s return aims to restore a piece of the temple’s original appearance and provide visitors with a more complete historical experience.
