Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye
North-south period era lantern in Gurye, South Korea
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The stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye (Korean: 구례 화엄사 각황전 앞 석등; Hanja: 求禮 華嚴寺 覺皇殿 앞 石燈) is a North-South period stone lantern in front of the temple Hwaeomsa, a head place of Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was registered as National Treasure of South Korea no. 12.[1]
The stone lantern in front of Gakhwangjeon Hall, which has illuminated Hwaeomsa temple for over 1,300 years, stands at 6.4 meters tall as the largest of its kind in Korea.[1][2]
This lantern is thought to have been built between 860 (the 4th year of King Heonan’s reign) and 873 (the 13th year of King Gyeongmun’s reign).[1] The significance is the hourglass-shaped flower stone, forming a clear contrast with the dignified appearance of Gakhwangjeon hall to its rear. [1]
Repaired in 1961, 1986 and 2009, the foundation of the stupa was reinforced.[2] The latest was a partial restoration conducted since 2023 in order to fix partial damages, using 3D scanning techniques. The relocation ceremony was held in November 2025.[2]
