I’ve been to pretty much every notable temple in the Gyeongsang region outside of Jirisan (I’m not exaggerating), but I have never been to Bongjeong-sa, let alone heard of it. Thank you for this. You are taxing my memory, trying to recall all the must-see places I must see on my next trip!

Now you’re impugning their constancy! What is it you have against these roof-makers?

Great photos, Robert.

Kevin

I especially admire their refusal to develop interesting furniture, or beautiful interiors, that might detract from those mighty roofs.

Uh, OK…

And their constancy to their one, perfect design. Look at two Korean roofs 2000 years apart and we can see…the exact same thing. Progress is for western fools. True roof mastery requires one to copy the exact same roof over and over again for 4000 years, never adding personal creativity or the spirit of the times or innovation - that way weakness lies. I can’t count the number of times in Korea I have looked up and thought “There it is…that same construction and color scheme! That same roof!”

Actually, roof — and ceiling — styles can differ quite dramatically. But then again, I guess to the Korean eye, all European cathedrals probably look the same, too.

sanshinseon — Didn’t know that about the restoration. Ran a quick search to find out how they didn’t, but couldn’t find anything specific. Two pillars were apparently replaced completely, however. The most exciting part was they discovered that during a 1972 restoration, imported wood was used, which has since been replaced.

And yes, regardless of which one is older, the Muryangsujeon is the much more spectacular building… probably Korea’s single-most precious piece of architecture.

Going through the pics, as well as all the traditional-style Korean structures such as this temple, I can’t help but think….

This was a culture that really loved roofs.

When it came to roofs, there is none to surpass the Koreans. Giant, complex, multi-colored 8000 ton roofs sitting usually on 4 wooden beams making an empty, forlorn, devoid of life room. They were truly roof-masters supreme, those old Chosuns. Did King Sejong establish some sort of special roofing institute to develop roofing technology? I especially admire their refusal to develop interesting furniture, or beautiful interiors, that might detract from those mighty roofs. Sit your butt on the floor in front of a low table, perhaps with walls, perhaps not, and maybe a squat set of drawers behind you. Think of the complex and ornate roof above you and never forget you are a Korean.

And their constancy to their one, perfect design. Look at two Korean roofs 2000 years apart and we can see…the exact same thing. Progress is for western fools. True roof mastery requires one to copy the exact same roof over and over again for 4000 years, never adding personal creativity or the spirit of the times or innovation - that way weakness lies. I can’t count the number of times in Korea I have looked up and thought “There it is…that same construction and color scheme! That same roof!”

I look forward to many more posts of the same ornate roof.

Good article again, Robert — yup, one of the best sites of quiet traditional-architecture charm. Deserves to be savored. We did a Temple-Stay there once, maybe 4-5 years back, sleeping in the Yeongsan-am under the 9th full moon, and that was exquisite.

One small correction in your text on the entry-gate: “the Main Hall, or Daeungjeong” –> Daeung-jeon

And you repeat the temple’s own claim that the Geungnak-jeon is “the oldest wooden building in Korea”, but it was totally taken apart and rebuilt with mostly-new materials (altho keeping the same design) in 2001-2004 (because almost collapsing). Only a certain % of the wood in it is now from the 1300s, can’t remember what %. I dunno what % is regarded by pros as sufficient for “authenticity”, but i have to seriously question whether we can still call it “the oldest”. I lean towards now granting that honor to the supposedly-6-year-younger Muryangsu-jeon, a far more magnificent structure anyway…

What’s your take on that question?

BTW, is the woman appearing in some of the pics your better half?