Twin Lion Stone Lantern to return to Godal-sa Temple Site

The National Museum of Korea has announced plans to relocate the Twin Lion Stone Lantern, a National Treasure from the early Goryeo Dynasty, to its original location at the Godal-sa Temple Site in Yeoju.

Estimated to have been crafted in the 10th century, the lantern is distinguished by its unique design featuring two lions sitting in a crouched position rather than standing on their front paws to support the upper stone. The artifact has a long history of movement, having been kept by local residents after being abandoned at the temple site, moved to Seoul in 1958, placed near Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1959, and finally transferred to the National Museum in 2003.

Following consultations with the Korea Heritage Service and Yeoju City, the museum has begun preservation treatments and scientific analysis. Once the site at Godal-sa is prepared and a comprehensive research report is published, the lantern will be transferred to Yeoju City, which will assume responsibility for its ongoing management and preservation.