Muryangsa Temple

SOUTH KOREA, South Chungcheong, Buyeo

Muryangsa means Boundless Temple. It is located on Mansusan Mountain. The temple is believed to have been founded by National Master Beomil during the rule of King Munmu (reigned 661–680) of the Silla dynasty. It suffered war damage several times, and most of the current structures were rebuilt during the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392).
The most important structures within the temple are the Ultimate Bliss Hall, five-tier stone pagoda, and stone lantern. The Ultimate Bliss Hall has a double-eave hip-and-gable roof. The first story is five-by-three bays and the second story is three-by-two bays. The roof has extended eaves supported by strong bracket sets. The hall houses a painting of Sakyamuni Buddha, which retains its colors despite the fact that it was painted during the rule of King Injo (reigned 1623–1649) of the Joseon dynasty. The hall was listed as Treasure No. 356 in 1963. This hall is one of the three largest Buddhist halls in South Korea.
In front of the Ultimate Bliss Hall there is the 7.5 m high five-tier stone pagoda. Its spire consists of a square base, an inverted bowl, an upright lotus, and a jewel. A gilt bronze Buddha Triad, a gilt bronze Bodhisattva, and a reliquary were among items found within the first, third, and fifth tiers of the pagoda during its reconstruction in 1971. The pagoda was listed as Treasure No. 185 in 1963. The stone lantern in front of the pagoda was also listed as Treasure No. 233 in the same year.