Geungnakbojeon Hall of Cheoneunsa Temple, Gurye

Cheoneunsa Temple, Gurye is located on the south-western slopes of Jirisan Mountain. According to temple records, it was founded in the third year of King Heungdeok of Silla (828) by Monk Deogun and was originally called Gamnosa Temple; it was rebuilt in the fifth year of King Sukjong (1679) by Monk Joyu, at which time its name was changed to Cheoneunsa Temple. Geungnakbojeon Hall, the temple's main hall, was erected in the fiftieth year of King Yeongjo (1774) when Monk Hyeam undertook its reconstruction. It enshrines Amitabha Buddha as its principal image and is a three-bay by three-bay building with a dapo-style bracket system and a hipped-and-gabled roof. The distinctive features of Geungnakbojeon Hall can be found first in the organic composition of its interior high columns and the interior bracket sets at the rear, and in a frame structure that increases structural stability by uniting the beam and eaves purlin above the interior high columns. In addition, the flattening and unification of the bracket arms (salmi) into board-like members, the elaborate bracket form carved with foliate scroll and phoenix-head motifs, the standardised composition of the bracket sets, the use of corner struts (anchogong) carved with dragon heads and tails, and the fine, ornate coffered ceiling, canopy and Buddhist adornments all display superb carving technique, well illustrating the characteristics of late eighteenth-century dapo-style architecture. The interior dancheong (traditional multicoloured decorative painting) also predates the nineteenth century, is technically accomplished and well preserved, and represents the dancheong tradition of the late Joseon period. In this way, Geungnakbojeon Hall of Cheoneunsa Temple, Gurye not only well illustrates the various characteristics of late eighteenth-century dapo-style Buddhist halls but also shows close affinity with the treasure-designated Daeungjeon Hall of Mihwangsa Temple, Haenam, the Daeungjeon Hall of Bulgapsa Temple, Yeonggwang, and the Daeungjeon Hall of Bulhoesa Temple, Naju, giving it sufficient historical, architectural and artistic value to merit designation as a state-designated heritage item (treasure).

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gurye, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물