Youngsan-jeonPresumed to have been built with the founding of the temple, Youngsan-jeon (designated South Gyeongsang Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #203) was restored during the reign King Sukjong of the Chosun Dynasty by Zen Master Koksong. Noteworthy architecture includes the eaves of the gabled roof, which are supported by multi-cluster brackets placed atop the columns and along the main beam between them. The main platform painting was completed during the reign of the King Yongjo.
The mural of a scene from the Lotus Sutra, the only one of its kind in Korea, is especially outstanding and
is believed to have been painted in the late 18th century. The mural on the outside of the building is also
quite precious, despite its damage, and its style gives further support to the architecture of the restoration
period. The hall named after Mt. Grdhrakuta where the historical Buddha Sakuamuni delivered the Lotus and
other sutras.
Three-story Stone Pagoda and Bowing StoneThis three-story pagoda (designated South Gyeongsang Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #18) has a foundation consisting of a base and pedestal, typical for its period. The base of this foundation is decorated with carved designs. The roofstones of each story have four stepped cornices. The roofstone and the body of each story are carved and the center and corner pillars and are carved from a single stone block. The finialconsists of a base and several discs. Both the base and the roofstones are indicative late Shilla Dynasty architecture.
The original bowing stone is a rectangular dressed stone decorated with a lotus flower pattern. It has an
inscription indicating it was made in 1085, during the reign of Koryo King Seonjong. For preservation, the
original stone is on exhibition at the Tongdo-sa Museum. This stone is a new replacement.
Puri-mun (Gate of Non-duality)Built during the reign of King Ch'ungryol of the Koryo Dynasty, Puri-mun (called the Gate of Nonduality) was rebuilt several tines during its long history. The current structure was built in the late Chosun Dynasty and has been designated South Gyeongsang Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #252. The gate symbolizes the non-duality and equality of everything in the universe, a major Buddhist concept.
The gate is done in a multi-cluster bracket style that features double eaves and a hipped and gabled roof
and was built in a straight line with the One Pillar Gate, the Gate of The Guardians of the Four Directions,
and the Main Buddha Hall. The structure is nicely compact and features sturdy bracketing. A plaque on the
gate is reputed to have been written by the founder of China's Ming Dynasty, ChuYuan-Chang. The words on the
gate are said to have been written by Mi Fei of China's Sung Dynasty.
Yonghwa-jeon (Hall of Maitreya)The Hall of Maitreya was first built during reign of King Kongmin of the Koryo Dynasty, then rebuilt during the reign of King Yongjo of the Chosun Dunasty. The hall (designated South Gyeongsang (Provincial Tangible Cultural Property #204) houses a statue of Maitreya, the Future Buddha. The structure stands on a foundation of dressed stones and it faces south. It has a gabled roof and the eaves are bracketed in a multi-cluster style.The highly decorated brackets are a feature typical during the late Chosun Dynasty. Several dragon motifs are inside the hall.
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