Wontongjeon Hall of Heungguksa Temple

Heungguksa Temple was first built in 1195, the 25th year of King Myeongjong of Goryeo, by the state preceptor Jinul (Bojo Guksa). It was named Heungguksa — meaning "temple that flourishes the nation" — carrying the wish that if the country prospered, the temple would prosper with it. Because it was regarded less as a place of Buddhist teaching in itself than as a temple whose purpose was to protect and defend the nation, it served largely as a place of prayer for the country's stability and prosperity. Wontongjeon Hall refers to a hall enshrining the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara (Gwanseeum), and is also called Gwaneumjeon. It was extensively rebuilt in 1560, the 15th year of King Myeongjong of Joseon, burned down during the Jeongyu War of 1597 (the renewed Japanese invasion), and rebuilt again in 1624, the second year of King Injo. The hall measures five kan across the front and three kan in depth. Its gongpo — bracket sets that support the roof eaves while also serving a decorative purpose — are installed only at the front and on the sides, and are absent at the rear of the building. Together with the Wontongjeon Hall of Seonamsa Temple, the Wontongjeon Hall of Heungguksa Temple is regarded as an unusual style among temple buildings.

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Where it is

Region

Yeosu, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산