Girimsa Daejeokgwangjeon Hall, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.833

Category

Architecture

Era

조선 인조 7년(1629년)

Designated year

1985

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경상북도 경주시 기림로 437-17(문무대왕면)

Coordinates

35.838128, 129.403487

The original name of Girimsa Temple, when it was first built by Monk Gwangyu from India in the 12th year of the reign of Queen Seondeok (643) of Silla, was Imjeongsa. It was later rebuilt and renamed Girimsa by Buddhist Monk Wonhyo. Legend says that the temple once grew a legendary herb wudambara, which is believed to come into flower every 1,000 years. Daejeokgwangjeon is a hall that enshrines Vairocana Buddha, or the Buddha of Enlightenment. First built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the hall underwent repair several times over the centuries. The existing building is believed to have been renovated in the seventh year of the reign of King Injo (1629) of Joseon. It comprises 5-kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) front space and 3-kan side space and it has a gable roof called matbaejibung. Multi-cluster brackets are placed not only on the column tops, but also on the outer tie beams between the columns. This building style is known as dapo style. The brackets are engraved with various designs, reflecting the architectural trend of the seventeenth century. The hall has a grand and impressive outer appearance, and the relatively spacious interior creates a calm and majestic atmosphere. Despite frequent repair work, the building retains its original form relatively well, contributing to the study of architectural trends.

Location