Cheongwonsa Temple Main Hall in Anseong Designated as National Treasure

Anseong City in Gyeonggi Province announced on January 23 that the main hall (Daeungjeon) of Cheongwonsa Temple, located in Seongeun-ri, Wongok-myeon, has been elevated to the status of a national designated treasure.

A view of the Daeungjeon Hall of Cheongwonsa Temple in Anseong, which has been elevated to a national designated treasure. Provided by Anseong City

Cheongwonsa Temple is believed to have been founded before the late Goryeo Dynasty, based on relics such as a stone stupa from the Goryeo period, the "Gamdji Eunni Bosal Seongye Gyeong" initiated in the 6th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (1280), and the "Gamdji Eunni Daebanggwang Bulhwaeomgyeong Jubon" transcribed in the 11th year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1324).

The main hall, which has now been designated as a treasure, was once thought to be an early Joseon Dynasty structure. However, scientific wood species analysis and dendrochronological research have confirmed that it was built in the mid-15th century.

The main hall is particularly notable for its unique structure, with a multi-bracket system (dapo style) at the front and a protruding bracket arm system (chulmok ikgong style) at the rear. It is regarded as an important architectural resource that clearly illustrates the transition from the jusimpo bracket system of the Goryeo period to the ikgong bracket system that developed after the Joseon period.

In particular, the chulmok ikgong-style lotus-shaped beam, which is rarely seen in buildings from the same era, displays the original features of decorative styles that became prominent after the 17th century.

With the elevation of the main hall to treasure status, Anseong City plans to establish a comprehensive maintenance plan for the Daeungjeon and to expand the permitted range for construction activities within the historical and cultural preservation area from the current 300 meters to 500 meters.