The Establishment of Naejeseokgung(Cheonjusa Temple) and the Plan for the Establishment of Donggung(Eastern Palace) during the Reign of King Jinpyeong of Silla

Naejeseokgung(Cheonjusa) was a historic Buddhist temple founded during the reign of King Jinpyeong of Silla Dynasty, serving as a royal temple(naedorang). Archaeological evidence of its existence includes roof tiles bearing the inscription “Cheonju” and lotus-patterned eave-end tiles dating to the late 6th century, unearthed at the temple site. Additional finds- such as paired-bird motif tiles and floral brick decorations from the late 7th century-indicate that the temple was established early in King Jinpyeong’s reign and later underwent extensive renovations, coinciding with the construction and refurbishment of Wolji(Anapji Pond) and the Donggung(Eastern Palace). Cheonjusa was situated northeast of Wolseong Fortress and southeast of Wolji. The discovery of early Silla lotus-motif eave-end tiles, along with late Silla-style pottery from the temple’s initial land development layer, indicates that it was constructed not long after King Jinpyeong ascended the throne. Although located outside the main palace grounds, Cheonjusa functioned as a royal Buddhist temple. The designation “Naejesekgung,” meaning “Inner Palace of Śakra,” implies that the temple was intended to be associated with the future construction of the Donggung to its west. The alternate name “Cheonjusa” served a dual purpose: it reinforced the monarch’s divine authority—invoking the image of a heavenly pillar connecting heaven and earth— while also acknowledging the temple’s physical separation from the palace, which made the formal title “Naejesekgung” less immediately applicable in practical terms. Meanwhile, the Donggung and Wolji area was developed to the west of Cheonjusa through a second phase of land reclamation over previously marshy terrain. This phase involved the burial of earlier infrastructure from the initial land development associated with Cheonjusa's construction, followed by the establishment of new foundations for the Donggung complex, which was completed around 679 CE. This sequence of events suggests that the planning of the Donggung was initiated alongside the founding of Cheonjusa during King Jinpyeong’s reign, with the temple originally conceived as its future naedorang. Upon the completion of the Donggung in the late 7th century, Cheonjusa naturally assumed the role of its official temple, thereby solidifying its status as Naejesekgung. It has become clear that Cheonjusa Temple, established during the reign of King Jinpyeong, was conceived in tandem with plans for the future construction of the Donggung(Eastern Palace). The Donggung was part of a broader development initiative that began with the founding of Cheonjusa, which included the reclamation of low-lying wetlands to the west of the temple site. Through successive phases of land preparation and infrastructure expansion, major facilities were gradually added, culminating in the completion of the Donggung around 679 A.D. King Jinpyeong’s decision to locate Cheonjusa at the easternmost edge of the planned Donggung complex reflects a deliberate spatial and ideological vision rooted in Buddhist cosmology—particularly the faith in Śakra (Jeoseok) and the Western Pure Land. This symbolic placement embodied Śakra’s role in guarding the east while protecting the west, and echoed the Buddhist notion of transforming the western realm into a paradise. It conveyed the king’s aspiration to promote national prosperity and serve the people (heungguk wimin). Ultimately, this arrangement bolstered public trust and strengthened royal authority through the unifying power of religious and ideological symbolism.