Daeungjeon Hall of Bulgapsa Temple, Yeonggwang

Records show that Daeungjeon Hall of Bulgapsa Temple underwent six major renovations between its establishment and the last renovation scheme in 1764, when the temple was under the leadership of Great Seon Master Cheongbong. The dharma hall consists of a three-kan by three-kan structure covered with a hip-and-gable roof, with bracket clusters laid on and between the columns. The square stone bases which support the front columns are believed to have been influenced by a much earlier architectural style developed in Baekje(18 BCE - 660). The hall is also distinguished by the fact that its altar is located on one side facing south, rather than at its center. The placement of the altar and the "bejeweled pagoda" at the center of the ridge beam show the influence of Southern Buddhism. The altar is enshrined with the ShakyamuniTriad, which shows the historic Buddha Shakyamuni flanked by Bhaisajyaguru and Amitabha, above whom is a canopy ornately decorated with carved dragons, a lotus peak, clouds, and birds of bliss flying around in a spectacular manner. Daeungjeon Hall of Bulgapsa Temple is generally regarded as one of the greatest Buddhist architectural works of the late Joseon period. The front and southern faces of the building have lattice doors ornately decorated with floral motifs inspired by lotus, chrysanthemum and mandala flowers.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08