Hwanseongsa, a Buddhist temple at the foot of Palgongsan Mountain, was built in 835 (the 10th year of Heungdeuk’s reign of Silla), by the monk Simji. The temple is said to have been consumed by fire sometime in late Goryeo. It was rebuilt much later, in 1635 (the 13th year of Injo’s reign of Joseon). The buildings currently standing at this site were constructed in 1897 (the 1st year of Gwangmu) by the monk Hangwol. Daeungjeon Hall, located at the center of the temple precincts, is 5 kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) at the front and 4 kan at the sides, and is surmounted by a hip and gable roof. Columnar brackets, supporting the roof eaves, are present both above and between the pillars. The pillars are larger in circumference toward the middle, and are modest in height and width. This, coupled with the fact that the front and sides of the building are roughly the same in width, contributes to the feeling of balance and stability it conveys overall. The altar inside the building is sumptuous, with beautiful woodwork details. In 1976, the building was refurbished by removing weathered and worn wood components and repainting faded areas for a more uniform look. Some of the decorative paint work on the exterior of the building is the original work, while other portions were applied more recently. The building retains a quaint charm both in terms of design and paint work.