The magnificent Daeungjeon

#September Travel Grant The buildings of Hwaeomsa Temple in Gurye are awe-inspiring, their architectural beauty alive and well. The characteristic curved eaves, bracketed decorations, and generously spaced columns, characteristic of wooden architecture, create a sense of stability and aesthetics. Hwaeomsa Temple's Gakhwangjeon Hall, in particular, is a hipped-and-gabled wooden structure with seven bays on the front and five bays on the side. The harmony of scale, proportion, and the vibrant colors of the Dancheong (traditional Korean paintwork) truly captivates visitors. Inside, statues of the Three Buddhas and Bodhisattvas are enshrined, and the walls and stylobate are meticulously decorated, enriching the senses with a closer look. Climbing the stone pedestal to the top of the hall offers breathtaking views of the grounds and surrounding mountains, creating a truly captivating sense of space. Just looking at Daeungjeon Hall and Gakhwangjeon Hall alone will capture the depth and beauty of traditional wooden architecture. Stone lanterns, pavilions, and pagodas interspersed throughout the buildings create a dialogue between the architecture and the surrounding nature. Sitting on the wooden floor of the hall and gazing out at the mountains, forests, and tiled roofs beyond the windows, my heart is gently opened.