Wontongjeon Hall of Gaemoksa Temple, Andong

Gaemoksa Temple was originally called Heungguksa Temple, said to have been founded by the Venerable Uisang during the reign of King Sinmun of Unified Silla (r. 681–692). According to legend, Uisang attained enlightenment through the miracle of a heavenly maiden in Cheondeunggul Cave behind the temple and founded the temple there; the name "Gaemoksa" is said to have been adopted during the Joseon period. Wontongjeon Hall, which enshrines the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara, is thought to have been built in 1457, the third year of King Sejo, based on a record found during dismantling and repair in 1969 bearing the phrase "the first year of Tianshun." The hall measures three bays across the front and three along the side, with a gable roof (matbae) that forms the shape of the Chinese character for "person" when viewed from the side. It is built in the jusimpo style, in which the simple bracket structure supporting the roof's weight sits only on top of the columns. Inside, the ceiling is an exposed-frame "lotus-lantern" ceiling, and the interior of the worship hall has been made into an ondol-heated room, a rare feature among early Joseon buildings. Overall, the hall well preserves the characteristics of early Joseon architectural style, and is valued as important material for research into architectural history.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Andong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물