Korea designates two 17th-century Buddhist halls as national treasures

The Korea Heritage Service designated two 17th-century Buddhist worship halls in southeastern Korea as national cultural treasures.

These honors recognize buildings and artifacts with major historical and artistic value, placing them just one tier below the highest national treasure status. The two buildings are Daeung Hall at Unheung Temple in Goseong County and Daeung Hall at Geodong Temple in Yeongcheon.

While these temples trace their origins to a seventh-century monk named Uisang, the current wooden structures date back to the late Joseon Dynasty. The hall at Unheung Temple was built in 1682 and serves as a symbol of resilience following the Japanese invasions of Korea between 1592 and 1598. During those wars, the temple acted as a stronghold for warrior monks before it was destroyed by fire.

Scientific analysis of the pillars and beams confirms that workers felled the timber used to rebuild the hall between late 1681 and early 1682.