Taeansa Temple Neungpagak Pavilion

This is Taeansa Temple's Geumgangmun Gate, a type of bridge structure that also serves as a pavilion. Because of the beauty of the valley stream and surrounding scenery, it was named Neungpa, meaning the light, graceful gait of a beautiful woman. Crossing this bridge symbolises casting off worldly cares and entering the world of the Buddha. It was first built in 850, the 12th year of King Munseong of Unified Silla, by Seon Master Hyecheol, and is said to have been repaired in 941, the 24th year of King Taejo of Goryeo, by Great Master Gwangja. It was later damaged and rebuilt in 1767, the 43rd year of King Yeongjo of Joseon. Viewed from the side on which one crosses the bridge, it measures one bay across the front and three bays along the side, with a simple gable roof whose side profile forms the shape of the character 人 ('person'). On both sides of the valley, stone retaining walls were built using the natural rock, with two large logs laid across them to support the structure. The bracket sets that support the roof while doubling as ornament are placed only above the columns, in the jusimpo style, and the columns are of the minheullim type, tapering gradually toward the top without entasis. Timber carved with various animal figures was used, making this an unusual building built to serve as bridge, gate and pavilion all at once.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gokseong, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산