Changing Symbolic Landscapes of Buddhist Temples in Sabi, the Royal Capital of the Paekche Kingdom

Abstract:In 538, the Paekche Kingdom moved its capital to Sabi (present-day Puyŏ) and thereafter established over twenty-five Buddhist temples in the area. These temples served not just as sacred spaces, but as political and symbolic landscapes and a national ceremonial area within the new capital. This paper analyzes the spatial and temporal distribution of the temples in the Puyŏ region and elucidates the changes in their construction in relation to both the landscape of the city and to royal authority. The sites selected for these important temples were near royal palaces, defensive installations, and communication routes, and reflect the trend toward engagement with the Buddhist world. Examining the distribution of these temples and their locational changes allows a more dynamic understanding of the visual transformation of Sabi, Buddhist temples as national and religious institutions, and their relationship to royal authority.