In the early 7th century, during the reign of King Mu (r. 600–641), Mireuksa Temple stood as the largest temple in Baekje. Today, none of the original buildings remain on the temple grounds. Only the stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11), which made global headlines in 2009 with the discovery of its reliquary, and a pair of flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) offer glimpses into its former grandeur.
Yet there exists another overlooked trace that offers insight into Mireuksa’s founding layout: the base of a stone lantern nestled between the main hall and pagoda. Several stones believed to be parts of lanterns remain onsite, suggesting there were once multiple lanterns at the temple. Among them are three similarly shaped fire chambers (hwasaseok) and three matching roof stones (ukgaeseok), hinting at a connection to the temple’s unique triple-hall, triple-pagoda, and three-courtyard layout.
Efforts to reconstruct these lanterns have long been underway. Recently, with the aid of digital technology, the National Iksan Museum reexamined the remaining fragments and digitally restored the original lanterns from Mireuksa’s founding era. Like the Mireuksa stone pagoda—once toppled and forgotten, now restored and standing tall—these lanterns, once overlooked, are being revived through digital innovation to shine a new light on Baekje heritage.
We invite you to witness this light at the National Iksan Museum’s Special Exhibition Gallery.
