Seongbulsa Temple Arhat Hall

NORTH KOREA, North Hwanghae, Sariwon

The Arhat Hall is situated within Seongbulsa (Attaining Enlightenment Temple). According to documents found in the hall, the temple was built in 898 during the Silla dynasty. The Arhat Hall was constructed in 1327 during the Goryeo dynasty and renovated in 1530 during the Joseon dynasty. The temple is listed as National Treasure No. 87.
The seven-by-three bay hall faces west and has an overhanging gable roof. This structure contains features from the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392), such as tapered columns, simple interior and exterior bracket sets, and circular posts supporting the beams. The hall houses a statue of seated Sakyamuni Buddha, flanked by two Bodhisattvas. The mural behind the statue is mainly green and red, which blends with the nearby red columns. The beams are decorated with lotus and coiled patterns painted in green and blue, while the imitation stone incisions are in gold. The paintings of dragons, lions, and flying horses on the beams are very detailed.