Yaksajeon Hall of Gwallyongsa Temple, Changnyeong

Gwallyongsa Temple was one of the eight great temples of the Silla period, though no clear record survives of its history. It is said that during the Japanese invasions of 1592–98, every building except Yaksajeon Hall was destroyed by fire. Yaksajeon Hall is presumed to date from the early Joseon period; it enshrines the Buddha of Medicine, who is believed to cure the ailments of all living beings. The hall is very small, with a frontage of one bay and a depth of one bay. Seen from the side, the roof forms the shape of the character 人 (person); the bracket work supporting the eaves is simple and set only above the columns, in the so-called jusimpo style. This makes for an instructive comparison with buildings of similar composition, such as Haetalmun Gate of Dogapsa Temple in Yeongam (a national treasure) and Guksajeon Hall of Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon (a national treasure). Although the side roof projects further than might be expected for a building of this size, it achieves a fine balance of weight, giving the building a settled, stable appearance. As one of the few surviving buildings that preserve the distinctive features of early Joseon architecture, Yaksajeon Hall, despite its small scale, is admired for its well-integrated structure and is valued as an important resource for the study of architectural history.

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Where it is

Region

Changnyeong, Gyeongnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물