Gakhwangjeon Hall ( Hall of the Enlightened Lord); National Treasure No 67
Gakhwanjeon Hall in Hwaeomsa ( temple) is one of the largest Buddhist structures made of wood in Korea. Built to replace a similar structure which was razed to the ground during the Japanese invasion , its reconstruction was completed in 1703. Its stone base, dating back to the Shilla Dynasty, was intended for another hall. Look out for the triangular stone railings which are typical of the period.
Photo: Byunggu Yu
From outside, it looks like a two –storey building but as you enter, you find yourself in a single large hall with a very high, panelled ceiling. The dimensions are apparently quite unusual for Korean temple buildings.
A single window high up on one wall on the supposed second floor, allows light to stream in to light up the faces of the seven large gold statues of Buddha and bodhisattvas on the altar.
Behind them hangs a tapestry which was painted in 1860 and kept there to express hope for the longevity of the royal family.
If you look below the statues, you may be able to spot some fragments of the entire Avatamsaka Sutra that was carved on granite plates on the walls. Sadly, most of them were destroyed during the Imjun Wars.
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