Daeungbojeon Hall of Magoksa Temple, Gongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.801

Category

Architecture

Era

백제 의자왕 2년(643)

Designated year

1984

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 사곡면 마곡사로 966, 마곡사 (운암리)

Coordinates

36.559483, 127.012125

Opinion is divided on the foundation of Magoksa Temple. Some say it was built by Buddhist Monk Jajang Yulsa in 640, the ninth year of the reign of Queen Seondeok of Silla, while others say Buddhist Monk Museon of Silla built it after returning from Tang China. It was closed from late Silla to the early days of Goryeo but was rebuilt by State Preceptor Bojo in 1172, the second year of the reign of King Myeongjong of Goryeo. It then remained dilapidated again for 60 years following the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. The Buddhist Monk Gaksun rebuilt Daeungjeon Hall, Yeongsanjeon Hall and Daejeokgwangjeon Hall in 1651, the second year of the reign of King Hyojong of Joseon. Daeungbojeon Hall is the sanctum enshrining a Sakyamuni statue and it also enshrines Bhaisajyaguru Buddha, Amitabha Buddha and Sakyamuni Buddha as the main statue. The hall was rebuilt by the Buddhist Monk Gaksun along with the temple in 1651. It is composed of 5-kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) front space and 4-kan side space in the first floor and 3-kan front space and 3-kan side space in the second floor. It has a hip and gable roof called paljakjibung. The gongpo that holds up the roof eaves on the pillars is set up not only on the pillars but also between them. This building style is known as dapo style. A lotus flower pattern is engraved on the outside extensions, showing the typical decoration style of mid and late Joseon. Kim Saeng, a master of calligraphy in Silla inscribed the calligraphy on the hanging board on the second floor. A decoration with the pattern of the Chinese character 井 (jeong) serves to conceal the ceiling and is connected to a beam on the second floor. The floor is wide and magnificent. The hall is regarded as an important cultural asset, and with its unique structure as a two-story building, an important source for studying the architectural history of mid Joseon.

Location