Chongpyeongsa is a historic temple
that was constructed in 973 (the King Gwangjong's reign of Goryeo
Kingdom), and its original name was Baekamseonwon. In the era of the king Myeongjong (1546-1567) 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 compartment
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.