Bongjeongsa Temple, Andong

Site details

Bongjeongsa Temple, located halfway up Cheondeungsan Mountain, gets its name from the legend of a lantern descending from the sky. Founded during the Silla Dynasty, it is renowned for housing the oldest wooden building in Korea, the Geungnakjeon Hall. Bongjeongsa Temple, nestled on Cheondeungsan Mountain, was established in 672 AD (the 12th year of King Munmu's reign) by Neungin Daesa, a disciple of the great monk Uisang Daesa. The name "Bongjeong" means "where the phoenix stays," signifying a serene and picturesque setting surrounded by lush forests and mountains. The temple complex features the Geungnakjeon Hall, the oldest wooden building in Korea, and the Daeungjeon Hall, each with their own courtyard, embodying the faiths of Sakyamuni andAMitabha respectively. Geungnakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong was originally called Daejangjeon but was later renamed. During restoration work in 1972, a roof repair record from 1363 (the 12th year of King Gongmin's reign) was discovered. Given that traditional wooden structures typically require repair 100-150 years after their construction, it is estimated that the hall was built in the early 1200s, making it the oldest wooden building in Korea.