Main Hall

National Treasure #290
West Courtyard, Tongdosa Temple (map)
Yangsan, Korea

From the introduction on the previous page, we jump right into the center of the temple and follow it down the mountain from W to E. The West courtyard is seen here.

Daeungjeon, the Main Hall, having survived the 1592-98 Japanese invasions, was rebuilt in 1644. The hall, unusually, contains no Buddha image. Instead it faces the Diamond Ordination Platform (next page), which is said to enshrine some true relics of the Buddha.

Architecturally, the hall is designed such that all four of its sides present a similar appearance.

Visible in the photos are a period roof, stone flagpole supports, stone lantern, canted eave support (upper photo left), and platform carved with rondels. The photos were taken ten years apart, and the sign under the eve has changed. In the lower photo, and throughout the temple in October 2016, are decorations for a festival.