Stone Lantern Inside the West Gate, Naju

This stone lantern features a rectangular stone foundation on which three supporting structures stand. On top of these structures is a compartment designed to encase a flame. It is finished with a stone roof and top adornments. Between the upper and lower stone support is an octagonal column inscribed with writing. According to the inscribed record, this stone lantern was made in 1093, the 10th year of the reign of King Seonjong of Goryeo, and it was originally an attachment to a stone structure in Heungryongsa Temple. Once located inside the west gate of the Najueupseong Fortress, it was transported to Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1929. The compartment for encasing the flame and the upper adornments were newly recreated at that time. This stone lantern demonstrates stone roof decoration techniques and exemplary structural and sculptural features in the Unified Silla stone lantern style.