Three Pavilions Designated as Treasures After Nationwide Survey Confirms Their Value
Cheonboru at Yongjusa, Built by King Jeongjo, Reflects Palace Architectural Style
Chimgyeru at Songgwangsa Demonstrates Architectural Exchange Between Yeongho and Honam Regions
Buddhist temple pavilions from the Joseon Dynasty have all been elevated to Treasures at once.
The Korea Heritage Service announced on the 26th that it has designated “Suncheon Songgwangsa Chimgyeru,” “Andong Bongjeongsa Manseru,” and “Cheonboru at Yongjusa, Hwaseong” as Treasures.
Temple pavilions located in front of the main Buddha Hall are spaces used for Buddhist services and sermons. In the layout of a temple compound, they are so important that they form a sequence of Iljumun Gate → Sacheonwangmun Gate → pavilion → main Buddha Hall, yet until now only four such structures had been managed as Treasures. To address this, the Korea Heritage Service has worked with local governments and the Buddhist community since 2023 to survey thirty-eight temple pavilions nationwide.
Suncheon Songgwangsa Chimgyeru was rebuilt in the 14th year of King Sukjong’s reign (1668). A dendrochronological survey of the main wooden members confirmed that the trees were felled in 1687. This large pavilion, seven bays across the front and three bays on the side, was used as a space for monks to study Buddhist doctrine. The arrangement of the columns is similar to the pavilion construction techniques found along streams in Gyeongsang Province, demonstrating architectural exchanges between Jeolla Province and Gyeongsang Province.
Andong Bongjeongsa Manseru was built in 1680 and was originally called “Deokhwiru.” After it was repaired in 1818, it has preserved its original form without significant damage. The interior plaque records the process of its construction and repair, making it possible to clearly understand the building’s history of changes.
Cheonboru at Yongjusa in Hwaseong was built in the 4th year of King Jeongjo’s reign (1790). It was constructed together with Yongjusa when King Jeongjo moved the tomb of Crown Prince Sado to Mt. Hwasan in Suwon and founded the temple. This is a two-story pavilion five bays across the front and three bays on the side, with the upper story serving as a lecture hall. The structure, in which the upper lecture hall is connected to side corridors on both sides, reflects palace architectural elements and illustrates the characteristics of a royal memorial temple.
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