It was in 1398 (the 7th year of King
Taejo's reign) that the bell was first hung in
Hanyang during the Joseon Dynasty, and a bell that was cast in
Gwangju was hung on the west side of
Cheongungyo's bell tower. Bosingak served as an important landmark and a means of keeping time for the city. The bell tower, Bosingak, was once part of the city's defensive system. It stood at the center of a busy marketplace and was used to announce the opening and closing of the city gates during the Joseon Dynasty. Every evening, the bell would toll to signal the closing of the gates, after which the city would be under curfew. Bosingak originally served as a pivotal landmark in the city, playing a significant role in timekeeping for Seoul. The Bosingak Bell, originally housed at Jongno Pavilion in 1395, tolling morning and evening hours, was destroyed by fire in 1597 during Japanese invasions. After reconstruction, a bell from Wongaksa Temple replaced it. Its origins are uncertain due to a lack of inscriptions. Records suggest it was at Sindeok wanghu's tomb before moving to Wongaksa, and later King Seonjo relocated it to Bosingak. Confusion arises with another bell called Heungcheonsa Temple Bell, now at
Deoksugung Palace, due to similar timelines and temple associations. Designated Treasure No. 2 since 1948, the deteriorated Bosingak Bell is displayed at the
National Museum of Korea, while a replica hangs in the pavilion. Today, the Bosingak Bell is a symbol of Seoul and holds cultural significance. ==Gallery==