Cheoneunsa Geungnakbojeon Hall, Gurye

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.2024

Category

Architecture

Era

조선시대

Designated year

2019

Location

구례군, 전라남도— 전라남도 구례군 노고단로 209 (광의면)

Coordinates

35.273910, 127.476327

Cheoneunsa Temple in Gurye is located at the southwestern end of Jirisan Mountain. According to the records, it was first founded in 828 (the 3rd year of the reign of King Heungdeok of Silla) by Monk Deogun with the name Gamnosa Temple. It was remodeled in 1679 (the 5th year of King Sukjong’s reign) by Monk Joyu and renamed Cheoneunsa Temple. Geungnakbojeon Hall, its main hall, was built as part of the work for remodeling the temple by Monk Hyeam in 1774 (the 50th year of King Yeongjo. It is a profusely bracketed structure sized 3 kan* by 3 kan with a hipped-and-gable roof. Features of the hall include organic formation of the tall columns and the rear interior roof-supporting bracket system and the structural formation made stable through integration of the upper side of the high columns inside with the crossbeam and shorter beams. And the following factors display features of a profusely bracketed structure of the late 18th Century: Unification of an elaborate curlicue ornamentation at the top of a pillar; the flamboyant roof-supporting bracket system displaying the engraving of flowers/plants and phoenix head; schematization of the composition of the roof-supporting bracket system; the base blocks of the brackets, where dragon head/tail are engraved; the exquisite and gorgeous ceiling/ornamental top; outstanding carving techniques displayed by embellishments dedicated to Buddha, etc. Dancheong (Korean traditional decorative coloring on wooden buildings and artifacts for the purpose of style) made in the inside of the hall displays outstanding skills and have been preserved well as that dating from the late Joseon Period. Like this, The Amitabha Buddha Hall of Cheoneunsa Temple in Gurye displays features of a Buddhist structure with a profuse bracket system. It appears that it has a close affinity with Main Hall (Treasure No. 947) of Mihwangsa Temple in Haenam, Main Hall (Treasure No. 830) of Bulgapsa Temple in Yeonggwang, and Main Hall (Treasure No. 1310) of Bulhoesa Temple in Naju. It is thought that it is worth being considered as national cultural heritage (Treasure) for its historical, architectural, and artistic value.

Location