The Korea Heritage Service (Administrator Heo Min) announced on the 4th that it has given preliminary notice to designate the "Namyangju Bongseunsa Bronze Bell," a large bronze bell from the early Joseon period, as a National Treasure.
The "Namyangju Bongseunsa Bronze Bell," which was designated as a Treasure in 1963 and is now being elevated to National Treasure status, was created in 1469 when King Yejong, the 8th monarch of Joseon, founded Bongseunsa Temple to pray for the repose of his late father. The bell is evaluated as the culmination of early Joseon bronze bell artistry, partially adopting Chinese bronze bell styles while incorporating Korean bronze bell design elements.
The casting record (鑄鍾記), composed by Kang Hui-maeng (1424-1483) and written by Jeong Nan-jong (1433-1489), documents the production background, date of creation, enshrinement location, and craftsmen involved. Records show that some of these artisans also participated in casting the Heungcheonsa Temple bronze bell and the former Bosingak bell.
The agency explained that National Treasure designation is warranted for several reasons: it is the only large royal-commissioned bronze bell from the early Joseon period that remains enshrined in its original location at Bongseunsa Temple's bell pavilion without ever being relocated; it has virtually no cracks or structural defects and remains in excellent condition; and it represents the definitive standard that established the典型 of Joseon-era bronze bells in the stylistic history of Korean bronze bells.
On the same day, the Korea Heritage Service also gave preliminary notice to designate the Goryeo-era celadon piece "Celadon Bowl with Inlaid Twin Dragons and Chrysanthemum Design" and the Joseon-era portrait "Portrait of Yoo Hyo-geol and Cabinet" as Treasures. Additionally, the agency announced plans to add one portrait and one shrine record to the already-designated Treasure "Portraits of Yun Jeung Collection."