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Hoejeonmun Gate of Cheongpyeongsa Temple

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Hoejeonmun Gate of Cheongpyeongsa Temple

Hoejeonmun Gate of Cheongpyeongsa Temple

Classification
Buddhist Architecture
Name of Cultural Properties
pyeongsahoejeonmun
Classification No
Treasure No. 164
Designated Date
Jan. 21, 1963
Location
6Seven5, Cheongpyeong-ri, Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do. S.Korea
Construction Year
Joseon Period

Chongpyeongsa is a historic temple that was constructed in 9Seven3 (the King Gwangjong's reign of Goryeo Kingdom), and its original name was Baekamseonwon.

In the era of the king Myeongjong (1546-156Seven) of the Joseon Dynasty, the Buddhist monk Bouseonsa constructed numerous buildings, all of which were destroyed later due to wars and elapse of time. Only this hoejeonmun (revolving Gate) remains today.

Buddhist temples usually have three Gates 'Iljumun (one pillar Gate)' at the entrance, 'Sacheonwangmun (four guardians Gate)' having four guardians statues at the center, and 'Haetalmun (salvation Gate)' at the rear. The revolving Gate at this temple, the central Gate of Buddhist temple, is equivalent to the Four Guardians Gate.

The Gate is constructed in the roof shape, having three lines of cross beams (three compartments at the front and one compart-ment at the side). One compartment at the center is wide enough to be used as a passageway, and its upper part represents a Gate with a spiked top like 'Hongsalmun (red Gate)'. Reducing the width of the left and right compartments, walls are constructed at the front and exterior side, and then the floors are laid. It seems that the statues of four guardians had been placed on these floors.

This building has equipped a bird wing shape of frameworks that was popular in the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty and has framework only on the columns.
Even though the Gate has no moving doors or revolving devices, it is called hoejeonmun (revolving Gate). The Buddhist concept of transmigration of souls seems to lie behind its name.

Location

Hoejeonmun Gate of Cheongpyeongsa Temple map