Daeungjeon Hall of Seonunsa Temple, Gochang

Seonunsa Temple stands on the northern slope of Dosolsan Mountain, and two traditions survive about its founding: one that it was built by King Jinheung of Silla, the other that it was founded by the eminent Baekje monk Geomdan Seonsa. However, the oldest surviving records, dating from the late Joseon period, state that King Jinheung founded it and that Geomdan Seonsa later rebuilt it. The Daeungjeon Hall of Seonunsa is said to have first been built in the reign of King Jinheung of Silla; the present building was rebuilt in 1472, the third year of King Seongjong of Joseon, but burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592–1598, and was rebuilt again in 1613, the fifth year of King Gwanghaegun. It measures five kan across the front and three kan along the side, and is built in the dapo style, in which the decorative bracket sets supporting the roof eaves are placed not only atop the columns but also between them. The roof is a matbae (gable) roof that, seen from the side, forms the shape of the character 人 (person), and the gable ends are simply finished with two tall pillars. Overall, the spacing between the columns along the side is wide while the depth of the building is narrow, giving it a form that is elongated sideways yet stable in appearance. The eaves at the rear of the building are simply finished, so that the front and rear eaves differ in appearance, and the walls are plank walls made of wooden boards. Inside, a well-shaped ceiling in the form of the character 井 (well) has been installed, and the dancheong (traditional multicoloured decorative painting) murals are exceptionally beautiful. True to mid-Joseon architecture, the building is ornate, with a delicate and decorative composition and splendid lattice-patterned hinged doors.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gochang, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물