SEOUL, November 13 (AJP) - South Korea has designated two 17th-century Buddhist temple halls as state-protected Treasures for their historical and architectural value, the Korea Heritage Service said Friday.
The newly designated sites are Daewoongjeon Hall at Unheungsa Temple in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, and Daewoongjeon Hall at Geodongsa Temple in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province.
Unheungsa served as a base for Buddhist monks who fought against Japanese forces during the 1592–1598 invasions. The temple was destroyed during the conflict and later rebuilt.
Historical records date its main hall to 1682, supported by tree-ring analysis showing that structural timber was felled between late 1681 and early 1682. Its five-bay facade is unusually wide for a temple hall built after the war.
Geodongsa's main hall is believed to date to the late 17th century, based on timber dating and architectural analysis. Its traditional wooden framework, carved decorations and preserved paintings reflect Buddhist architectural styles of the period.
The temple also served as a gathering site for Korean independence fighters in the early 20th century.
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