Bongjeongsa Temple

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Andong

Bongjeongsa means Phoenix Landing Temple. The temple is located at the foot of Cheondeungsan (Heavenly Light Mountain) in Andong. It is said to have been built in 682 during the Silla dynasty. The temple was renovated by Neungin, a disciple of National Master Uisang, and was destroyed and reconstructed a number of times during the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910).
The structures at the temple include the One Pillar Gate, Great Hero Hall, Ultimate Bliss Hall, Avatamsaka Lecture Hall, Past and Present Hall, and three-tier stone pagoda.
The three-by-three bay Great Hero Hall has a single-eave hip-and-gable roof. According to the records, the hall was originally built in the early Joseon dynasty. The eaves are supported by bracket sets above the column capitals, as well as by intermediate and corner bracket sets. A statue of Sakyamuni Buddha flanked by two Bodhisattvas is enshrined within the hall. The coffered ceiling is painted with floral patterns. There is a plafond with paintings of dragons above the statues. There is a large mural of the Buddha behind the statues. The mural is believed to be a work of the 15th century and is one of the oldest and largest paintings in Korea. It measures 4.2 m on each side. The painting is in the style of the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and the well-preserved colors are brilliant. It provides important information on the history of Korean art. Wooden blocks used for printing the Buddhist Canon are also preserved within the hall. The hall was listed as Treasure No. 55 in 1963.
The Ultimate Bliss Hall is one of the oldest wooden structures in Korea and was listed as National Treasure No. 15 in 1962. The Avatamsaka Lecture Hall and Past and Present Hall were listed as Treasures No. 448 and 449 in 1967. All these halls provide important information for research on the architecture of the Joseon dynasty.