Geumsansa Temple Maitreya Hall

SOUTH KOREA, North Jeolla, Gimje

The Maitreya Hall is located within the compound of Geumsansa (Golden Mountain Temple). It is the only three-story Buddha hall in South Korea. The exact year of construction is unknown, but the hall was rebuilt in 1079 during the Goryeo dynasty. It was burned down in 1597 during the Joseon dynasty and rebuilt again in 1635. It was listed as National Treasure No. 62 in 1962.
The hall has a hip-and-gable roof with three eaves, which makes it unusual. The first and second stories are five bays wide by four bays deep, while the third story is three bays wide by two bays deep. There is a horizontal board inscribed with “Hall of Great Kindness” hanging above a green diamond lattice door on the first story. The horizontal inscribed board on the second story reads “Assembly under the Dragon Flower Tree,” indicating the location where Maitreya Buddha is predicted to teach in this world. The board on the third story is inscribed with “Maitreya Hall.” The Maitreya Buddha Triad is enshrined within the hall. The central statue is 11.8 m high, while the other two statues are 8.8 m high.