Dogapsa Temple Gate of Liberation

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Yeongam

The Gate of Liberation is the oldest structure in Dogapsa Temple. The temple was said to have been built by National Master Doseon of the Silla dynasty (57 BCE–935 CE) and expanded during the late Goryeo dynasty (918–1392). Most of its structures were constructed in the middle to late Joseon dynasty (1392–1910). According to an inscription found during reconstruction in 1960, the Gate of Liberation was rebuilt by monks Sinmi and Sumi in 1473 during the Joseon dynasty. It was listed as National Treasure No. 50 in 1962.
The three-by-two bay gate has a single-eave overhanging gable roof and stands on a stone platform. Statues of the Four Heavenly Kings were originally installed inside the gate. The roof of the gate is supported by distinctive bracket sets. A large and thick tie beam located on a pair of column capitals supports a bracket set with a bow-shaped extended bracket arm. This bracket set then supports the main horizontal purlin as well as another tie beam, which in turn supports the upper bracket set that holds the ridge.