Geumsansa Temple: Mireukjeon Hall

[Narration]
Grand Mireukjeon Hall is seen to the right of Daejeokgwangjeon. Mireukjeon in Geumsan Temple, National Treasure Number 62, is the only remaining three-storied wooden building. There are six pillars along the front and five pillars along the sides on the first and second floors, and four pillars along the front and three pillars along the sides on third floor. The building is topped by a Paljak roof, acknowledged as one of the most elegant and beautiful styles of Korean traditional roofs.

Each floor has a different signboard – ‘Daejabojeon’ on the first floor, ‘Yonghwajihoe’ on the second floor’ and ‘Mireukjeon’ on the third floor. These different titles all signify the world of Maitreya, the Buddha of the future.

Mireukjeon in Geumsan Temple has an open, three-story high ceiling inside the building. The building conveys a sense of magnificence and security. It is said that the tallest pillar was made by joining a number of timber poles together.

Mireukjeon is considered one of the great achievements of Korean architectural history, comparable to Palsangjeon in Beobju Temple. It is a part of Korea’s proud cultural heritage, produced by one thousand years’ of accumulated architectural techniques and aesthetic craftsmanship combined. Mireukjeon Hall burnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1597, and it was rebuilt in 1635 in the 13th year of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty. The building has been repaired several times.

The exact date the building was established is as yet unknown, but historians assume that it might have been rebuilt by the monk Jinpyoyulsa between 762 (the 21st year of King Gyeongdeok) and 766 (the second year of King Hyegong, Silla Kingdom).

Mireukjeon is a Buddhist sanctuary that symbolizes Maitreya, Buddha of the future and educator of the masses. The generosity of the Maitreya religion is demonstrated here in the form of Mireukjeon Hall. Mireukjeon symbolizes a wish to attain the enlightenment of Buddha together in the future.