Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple

Name: Bongjeongsageungnakjeon (Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple)

Period: Goryeo Dynasty

Location: Andong, North Gyeongsang

Status: National Treasure No. 15

Bongjeongsa Temple was built in 673 in the 12th year of King Munmu of the Silla Dynasty. Legend says the great Buddhist Monk Ui-Sang (625-702) threw a paper phoenix from Buseoksa Temple that landed on this spot.

Documents from Geuknakjeon state that Neungin Daedeuk, a disciple of Ui-Sang, established the temple and that it was rebuilt several times in the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).

Bongjeongsa is the largest temple in Andong, North Gyeongsang, and it is the site of Geuknakjeon, the oldest wooden building in Korea.

This building has seven compartments on the front and three at the sides, and a gabled roof. It stands on stone stairways. The five-girder structure has a simple pillar-centered bracketing system. The bracket and beam arrangements, the truss and its support under the roof ridge are of an ancient architectural style. Furthermore, it is regarded as an important cultural asset since it represents the early stage of the bracket-on-column style.