Naejangsa Temple

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Jeongeup

Naejangsa, meaning Temple of Inner Treasure, is located in Naejangsan National Park. The temple was originally built by Master Yeongeun in 636 during the Baekje dynasty and named Yeongeunsa Temple. In 1557 during the Joseon dynasty, the temple was rebuilt by monk Heemuk and its name was changed to the current one. The temple subsequently underwent four major reconstructions until it was completely destroyed by fire during the Korean War in 1950. The current structures were rebuilt in 1970.
The architectural features of the temple include the One Pillar Gate, Gate of Heavenly Kings, Great Hero Hall, Judgment Hall, bell tower, and Avalokitesvara Hall. The One Pillar Gate, with its boat-shaped roof, is 7 m high and has the name of the temple inscribed at the top. The elegantly decorated Great Hero Hall contains a statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, behind which there is a painting of the Buddha Teaching the Dharma on Vulture Peak. Chimes in the shape of wooden fish hang from the single-eave hip-and-gable roof of the Great Hero Hall. The Judgment Hall contains statues of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and the Ten Hell Kings. To the right of the Judgment Hall there is the bell tower, with a bell weighing over a ton.