Century-old Buddhist pavilions gain heritage status

By Cho Bo-hee Posted : December 19, 2025, 14:30 Updated : December 19, 2025, 14:30
Chimgyeru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple/ Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service

SEOUL, December 19 (AJP) - The Korea Heritage Service (KHS) announced on Friday that it will designate three pavilions from the late Joseon Dynasty as "Treasures," while elevating two iconic medieval stone pagodas to the status of "National Treasures."

The three newly recognized pavilions include the Chimgyeru Pavilion at Songgwangsa Temple in Suncheon, the Mansaeru Pavilion at Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong, and the Cheonboru Pavilion at Yongjusa Temple in Hwaseong.

Typically situated in front of a temple’s main Buddha hall, these pavilions served as essential social and spiritual hubs during the Joseon era, hosting Buddhist rituals, lectures, and community gatherings.

The KHS also officially promoted the 5-story stone pagodas of Bowonsa Temple and Gaesimsa Temple to National Treasures. Both structures represent the pinnacle of Goryeo-era (918–1392) masonry and had been classified as "Treasures" since 1963.
 
Cheonboru Pavilion at Yongjusa Temple/ Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
 
Mansaeru Pavilion at Bongjeongsa Temple/ Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service
 
The 5-story stone pagodas of Bowonsa Temple and Gaesimsa Temple/ Courtesy of Korea Heritage Service

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