The amazing Daeung-jeon Hall from 1933 at Ssangbongsa Temple in Hwasun, Jeollanam-do before it was tragically destroyed by fire in 1983.
Hello Again Everyone!!
Ssangbongsa Temple is located in southern Hwasun, Jeollanam-do. The name of the temple means “Twin Peaks Temple,” in English, and it gets this name from the twin peaks that frame Ssangbongsa Temple.
Ssangbongsa Temple was first established some time before 839 A.D. There isn’t a specific date attached to this temple, but the stupa for the monk Hyecheol-guksa at Taeansa Temple states that he spent a summer at Ssangbongsa Temple after returning from Tang China in the first year of King Shinmu (r. 839). So it appears as though Ssangbongsa Temple was already built some time before 839.
Throughout the years, Ssangbongsa Temple has be expanded and reconstructed; and then, in 1597, the temple was partially destroyed by the invading Japanese during the Imjin War (1592-98). Of all the buildings, both the Geukrak-jeon Hall and the Daeung-jeon three story wooden pagoda survived. Throughout its long history, both of war and peace, the Daeung-jeon Hall remained unharmed. However, in 1983, the wooden pagoda was completely destroyed by fire when a devotee tripped and knocked over a candle during Buddha’s birthday. This national treasure was restored, as a replica, in 1986.
In total, Ssangbongsa Temple houses one National Treasure and three additional Treasures. Of the group, it’s National Treasure #57, the stone stupa of Master Cheolgam during the Unified Silla Dynasty that stands out from the group with its sheer beauty.
The Ssangbongsa Temple grounds in 1933.
A closer look at Ssangbongsa Temple in 1933.
The amazing Daeung-jeon main hall in 1933.
The uniquely designed Hoseong-jeon Hall.
Now the oldest shrine hall at Ssangbongsa Temple: the Geukrak-jeon Hall in 1933.
The Ssangbongsa Temple grounds in 2014.
The Daeung-jeon main hall replica from 1986.
Another look at the Daeung-jeon three story wooden pagoda.
A look at the Hoseong-jeon Hall in 2014.
As well as the temple’s Geukrak-jeon Hall.