The Historical Significance of the Creation and Discovery of the Iron Seated Buddha Statues excavated in Pocheon

This study examines the discovery and relocation of the iron seated Buddha statues excavated in Pocheon, along with the circumstances of their acquisition by the museum, and their production techniques and stylistic features. It also explores the significance of their creation and discovery based on historical records of Heungnyongsa Temple. The research clarifies the statues’ discovery and their transfer to the Joseon Government-General Museum, and confirms the temple’s connections with Doseon and King Taejo of Goryeo. Within the context of early Goryeo iron Buddha production, the study identifies the statues’ likely date and meaning. It further considers the possibility that the statues were deliberately concealed for protection when the Dongju region (present-day Cheorwon) faced Mongol invasions. Although only two in number, the Pocheon statues encapsulate a millennium of history, spanning early Goryeo Buddhism, the Mongol invasions, Joseon royal patronage, and modern perceptions during the colonial period.