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Daejeokgwangjeon Hall of Girimsa Temple, Gyeongju

경주 기림사 대적광전 ( 慶州 祇林寺 大寂光殿 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Daejeokgwangjeon Hall of Girimsa Temple, Gyeongju
Quantity 1 building
Designated Date 1985.01.08
Age The 5th year of the reign of King Injo of Joseon (1628)
Address Girimsa Temple 437-17, Girim-ro, Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

The original name of Girimsa Temple, when it was first built by Monk Gwangyu from India in the 12th year of the reign of Queen Seondeok (643) of Silla, was Imjeongsa. It was later rebuilt and renamed Girimsa by Buddhist Monk Wonhyo. Legend says that the temple once grew a legendary herb wudambara, which is believed to come into flower every 1,000 years. Daejeokgwangjeon is a hall that enshrines Vairocana Buddha, or the Buddha of Enlightenment. First built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, the hall underwent repair several times over the centuries. The existing building is believed to have been renovated in the seventh year of the reign of King Injo (1629) of Joseon. It comprises 5-kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) front space and 3-kan side space and it has a gable roof called matbaejibung. Multi-cluster brackets are placed not only on the column tops, but also on the outer tie beams between the columns. This building style is known as dapo style. The brackets are engraved with various designs, reflecting the architectural trend of the seventeenth century. The hall has a grand and impressive outer appearance, and the relatively spacious interior creates a calm and majestic atmosphere. Despite frequent repair work, the building retains its original form relatively well, contributing to the study of architectural trends.