5.1 Buddhist temple architecture

Korean Buddhist temples blend Chinese influences with indigenous aesthetics, shaping the architectural landscape since the 4th century CE. These complexes reflect Buddhist cosmology, with layouts symbolizing the journey to enlightenment and designs that harmonize with the natural surroundings.

Wood is the primary building material, allowing for flexible designs and showcasing intricate craftsmanship. Stone pagodas evolved from wooden stupas, becoming distinctive features of Korean Buddhist architecture. Wall paintings serve decorative and educational purposes, bringing Buddhist teachings to life through vivid imagery and symbolism.

Origins of Korean Buddhism

• Buddhism profoundly shaped Korean art and architecture after its introduction from China in the 4th century CE
• Korean Buddhist temples reflect a unique fusion of Chinese influences and indigenous Korean aesthetics
• The spread of Buddhism led to the construction of numerous temples, influencing Korea's architectural landscape

Introduction from China

Top images from around the web for Introduction from China

• 

  Category:Metalwork of the Three Kingdoms (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The biggest Buddha in Korea Part 1: Getting there ~ Gone Seoul Searching View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Three Kingdoms period (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Metalwork of the Three Kingdoms (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The biggest Buddha in Korea Part 1: Getting there ~ Gone Seoul Searching View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Introduction from China

• 

  Category:Metalwork of the Three Kingdoms (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The biggest Buddha in Korea Part 1: Getting there ~ Gone Seoul Searching View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Three Kingdoms period (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Category:Metalwork of the Three Kingdoms (Korea) - Wikimedia Commons View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  The biggest Buddha in Korea Part 1: Getting there ~ Gone Seoul Searching View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Arrived in Korea during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE - 935 CE)
• Monk Sundo brought Buddhism to Goguryeo kingdom in 372 CE
• Quickly gained royal patronage, leading to temple construction and artistic production
• Adapted Chinese Buddhist concepts to fit Korean cultural context

Early Buddhist kingdoms

• Baekje kingdom embraced Buddhism in 384 CE, becoming a major center for Buddhist learning
• Silla kingdom officially adopted Buddhism in 527 CE, though it had been present earlier
• Royal families supported temple construction as symbols of power and piety
• Early temples like Hwangnyongsa in Silla showcased grand scale and architectural innovation

Layout of temple complexes

• Korean Buddhist temple complexes follow specific architectural principles rooted in Buddhist cosmology
• The layout reflects the journey from the mundane world to enlightenment
• Temple design integrates harmoniously with the surrounding natural landscape

Mountain vs urban locations

• Mountain temples (sansa) built in remote, forested areas for meditation and seclusion
• Urban temples (sigolsa) constructed near population centers for easier access by laypeople
• Mountain temples often feature terraced layouts to adapt to steep terrain
• Urban temples typically have more symmetrical, spacious layouts on flat ground

Symbolic orientation

• Main Buddha hall (Daeungjeon) typically faces south, symbolizing enlightenment
• Entry gates aligned on a north-south axis, representing the path to enlightenment
• Eastern and western sides often house subsidiary buildings and living quarters
• Placement of buildings creates enclosed courtyards for ceremonies and gatherings

Key architectural elements

• One-pillar gate (Iljumun) marks the entrance to the temple grounds
• Four Heavenly Kings Gate (Cheonwangmun) houses guardian deities
• Drum and bell pavilions flank the central courtyard
• Main Buddha Hall (Daeungjeon) serves as the focal point of the complex
• Lecture hall (Gangwonjon) used for studying sutras and teaching

Wooden temple structures

• Wood serves as the primary building material in Korean Buddhist architecture
• Wooden structures allow for flexibility in design and easier reconstruction after fires or wars
• Korean wooden temple buildings showcase intricate craftsmanship and symbolic decorations

Construction techniques

• Post-and-lintel system with interlocking wooden joints used for structural stability
• Bracket sets (gongpo) support extended roof eaves and distribute weight
• Foundation stones (gonju) elevate wooden pillars to protect from moisture
• Use of natural wood finishes or vibrant paintwork (dancheong) for decoration and preservation

Roof styles

• Jeongja (gable roof) features straight lines and simple elegance
• Paljak (hip-and-gable roof) combines gable ends with sloping sides for a more complex profile
• Matbae (double-eaved roof) creates a dramatic silhouette and provides extra protection
• Roof tiles (giwa) made of clay, often featuring decorative end tiles (chimi)

Decorative features

• Dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork) adorns wooden elements with symbolic patterns
• Carved wooden brackets (gongpo) feature intricate designs and sometimes animal motifs
• Latticework windows (changsal) allow natural light and ventilation
• Ornate door panels often depict Buddhist symbols or guardian figures

Stone pagodas

• Stone pagodas evolved from earlier wooden stupas, becoming a distinctive feature of Korean Buddhist architecture
• These structures serve as reliquaries and symbolic representations of the Buddha's teachings
• Korean stone pagodas showcase remarkable engineering and artistic achievements

Evolution from wooden stupas

• Early pagodas in Korea were made of wood, following Chinese models
• Transition to stone began in the 7th century during the Unified Silla period
• Stone offered greater durability and resistance to fire compared to wood
• Early stone pagodas closely mimicked wooden forms before developing unique styles

Regional variations

• Baekje-style pagodas feature delicate proportions and elegant simplicity (Mireuksa Temple Pagoda)
• Silla-style pagodas often have a more robust appearance with wider bases (Dabotap at Bulguksa)
• Multi-story pagodas became common, typically with odd numbers of levels (3, 5, 7, or 9)
• Some regions developed distinctive styles (Goryeo-period octagonal pagodas)

Symbolic significance

• Represents the Buddha's body and the path to enlightenment
• Each level symbolizes a stage in the journey to nirvana
• Often houses sacred relics or sutras within its structure
• Serves as a focal point for circumambulation and meditation practices

Temple wall paintings

• Wall paintings in Korean Buddhist temples serve both decorative and didactic purposes
• These artworks bring Buddhist teachings to life through vivid imagery and symbolism
• Painting techniques and styles evolved over centuries, reflecting changing artistic trends

Iconography and symbolism

• Depictions of Buddha figures, bodhisattvas, and enlightened beings
• Jataka tales illustrate stories from the Buddha's previous lives
• Mandalas represent cosmic diagrams and realms of existence
• Guardian deities and wrathful protectors often appear near entrances
• Lotus flowers, bodhi trees, and other Buddhist symbols incorporated throughout

Painting techniques

• Fresco secco technique commonly used, applying pigments to dry plaster
• Natural pigments derived from minerals and plants for vibrant, long-lasting colors
• Gold leaf often applied to highlight important figures or elements
• Use of perspective and shading techniques to create depth and dimensionality
• Regular restoration and repainting to preserve artwork over time

Notable examples

• Seokguram Grotto murals depict celestial beings and bodhisattvas
• Buseoksa Temple features rare Goryeo-period paintings of the Avatamsaka Sutra
• Tongdosa Temple's Yeongsan Hall showcases vibrant Joseon-era Buddhist iconography
• Bongjeongsa Temple preserves some of Korea's oldest surviving Buddhist wall paintings