Stele of Master Cheolgam at Ssangbongsa Temple, Hwasun

At present, only the turtle-shaped foundation and dragon-shaped head remain with the main body of the monument decayed. Rev. cheolgam was born in the 14th year of King Wonseong of the Silla Dynasty(798) and died at Ssangbong Temple in the 8th Cheolgam is another pen name, and the name of the tower was Jeungso. On a square stone plate there is a turtle-shaped foundation with a dragon's head holding a large marble in its mouth. On the back of the turtle, clear hexagons with double outlines are carved. The posture of the foundation with the three toes of the right foot raised makes the turtle-shaped foundation seem alive. On the head of the sculpture, the shapes of clouds instead of dragon are carved. This monument shows the artistry of stone sculpture at that period. The body of the monument is said to have been lost during the Japanese colonial era.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08