Wontongbojeon Hall of Naksansa Temple

Compared to other temples, the layout of this temple looks quite different. Most temple buildings can be seen with one sweep of the eyes. However, here, the buildings are divided into a few sections, set along curvy trails and low hills. They look very distinctive and charming.

It is called Wontongbojeon, the Main Buddha Hall. It looks quite exotic with its outer-wall bearing a flower-design around it, unlike other temples. Roof tiles are layered, with roundly polished granite stones set in a star pattern within the compacted earth. The courtyard, typically enclosed by a wall, can seem overly expansive if too wide or overly constricted if too narrow. However, the flower fence surrounding Wontongbojeon Hall is perfectly proportioned, providing an enclosure that is neither excessive nor insufficient, thus achieving an exquisite layout.

Inside the dharma hall, there is a beautiful statue of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion (Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva) from the Goryeo Dynasty period. Additionally, this seven-story stone pagoda enshrines some real treasures - the crystal Buddhist prayer beads and the magic bead - that Buddhist Monk Uisang received from the dragon, as well as one part of the collection of the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion’s relics. Even though it is partially damaged, the whole basic structure is still intact up to the top, so it is a wonderful example for studying Buddhist pagodas from the Joseon Dynasty period.