KOREAN BUDDHIST

TEMPLE
(Silang, Cavite, Philippines)

A Case Study
Submitted to the Faculty of Lyceum of the Philippines University – Cavite
General Trias, Cavite

In partial fulfilment
of the requirements in
History of Architecture 3 – ARHOA3

Submitted by:
AMANCIO, RONVAN LANE
CASTRO, KARL MARX
CONSULTA, DEIREK JESTIN
CORPUZ, JOSHRIEL
DELA CRUZ, VINCE
LUMAUAG, HARRY
PUENTEBLANCA, JOSH
TINAE, KIER VINCE

Submitted to:
AR. ALMA LIBRANDA-PAREDES

JUNE 2023
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION & HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ..........................................1
Korean Architecture .......................................................................................................1
Buddhism in Korea ........................................................................................................2
Korean in the Philippines ...............................................................................................3
Korean Buddhist Temple ...............................................................................................3
II. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES .............................................................................5
Dancheong ......................................................................................................................5
Roof Tiles .......................................................................................................................5
Layout .............................................................................................................................6
Shrine Halls ....................................................................................................................7
Pagodas ...........................................................................................................................7
Integration with Nature...................................................................................................8
Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall) ...................................................................................8
Stone Lanterns .............................................................................................................10
Nio Temple Guardians .................................................................................................10
Rooftops .......................................................................................................................11
Yeondeunghoe ..............................................................................................................12
Animal Figures .............................................................................................................12
Munsal ..........................................................................................................................13
Mungan Chae................................................................................................................14
Tea with Three Adorable Little Buddhas .....................................................................15
Four Heavenly Kings ....................................................................................................15
Laughing Buddha .........................................................................................................16
III. DRAWINGS, PLANS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS ................................................17
1V. NARRATIVE REPORT .........................................................................................19
V. PHOTO DOCUMENTATION ................................................................................20
VI. REFERENCES ........................................................................................................30
 I. INTRODUCTION
Korean Architecture
Korea is a country of many mountains. Seventy percent of its land is mountainous,
and it has over 5,000 mountain peaks. Most of those mountains are home to Buddhist
temples; indeed, one can easily find a temple on a visit to any stream on any mountain.
Each of these temples has its own history, legends and origin. There are over 20,000
officially registered temples in Korea, with many – hundreds in fact at least 1,000 years
old. These include UNESCO cultural heritage sites like Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram
Grotto as well as Haeinsa Temple, Tongdosa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple. Therefore,
it is no exaggeration to describe Korea as a land of temples. A true understanding of
Korean history, culture and art should begin with an understanding of the significance of
the Buddhist temple in Korea.

The temple, which is called sachal, sawon or garam in Korean, is a place where
Buddhist monks undergo religious training and officiate religious rituals for Buddhist
worshippers. A temple is considered the land of Buddha, and therefore different from the
human world. As such, the temple is highly ornate, majestic and beautiful. Each building
from the main building that houses the statue of Buddha to other more minor ones is an
architectural masterpiece in its own right, with pillars, roof, walls and doors crafted by
the best artists of the day. The temple is also a museum of various forms of Buddhist art,
like Buddha statues, pagodas, bells and Buddhist paintings. The Buddhist temples in
Korea have comparable historical significance and artistic value with the old cathedrals
of Europe or with Islamic mosques.

Though temples differ somewhat based on their size and date of construction, they
generally adhere to the same basic architectural principles. A temple begins with a long
pillar called the danggan jiju, which serves as a milestone that shows that this is a place
in the presence of Buddha's spirit.

The word "Ilju" means "one's mind" or "cosmic consciousness." In other words,
it is a symbol of the origin of the universe and life and the boundary between the human
world and paradise (the land of Buddha). After passing through the Iljumun gate and going
slightly further up the mountain, one usually comes upon a small stream. This is a message

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to the visitor that one should cleanse oneself of all the worldly cares of one's body and
mind in the waters of the stream before entering the presence of Buddha.

Aside from these temples, Korean Architecture is characterized by naturalistic

tendencies, simplicity, economy of shape, and the avoidance of extremes. What was a
sharply curving Chinese roof was modified in Korea into a gently sloping roof. Sharp
angles, strong lines, steep planes, and garish colours are all avoided. It typically exhibits
a quiet inner harmony.

Korean architecture is a perfect representation of history and modernity. The

country’s architectural styles are closely related to its political, economic, social, and
cultural conditions. Basically, the architecture within the country is a mixture of
traditional Korean and modern styles. It is also influenced by the Chinese, Japanese, and
European cultures. Korean people have had to rebuild their cities many times due to these
invasions, which have led to an eclectic mix of architectural styles that can be seen all
around the country today.

Buddhism in Korea

Buddhism was introduced into Korea in 372 CE during the Koguryo Kingdom
period by a monk named Sundo who came from Qian Qin Dynasty, China. Buddhism is
a highly disciplined philosophical religion which emphasizes personal salvation through
rebirth in an endless cycle of reincarnation and it seems to have been well supported by
the ruling people of the Three Kingdoms (Silla, Koryo, and Choson) because it was
suitable as a spiritual prop for the governing structure, with Buddha as the single object
of worship like the king as the single object of authority.

When Japan forcibly took over Choson as a colonial ruler in 1910, it made
attempts to assimilate Korean Buddhist sects with those of Japan. These attempts however
failed and even resulted in a revival of interest in native Buddhism among Koreans. The
past few decades have seen Buddhism undergo a sort of renaissance involving efforts to
adapt to the changes of modern society. While the majority of monks remain in
mountainous areas, absorbed in self-discipline and meditation, some come down to the

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cities to spread their religion. There are a large number of monks indulging in scholastic
research in religion at universities in and outside Korea. Son (meditation)-oriented Korean
Buddhism has been growing noticeably with many foreigners following in the footsteps
of revered Korean monks through training at Songgwang-sa temple in South Cholla
province and Son centers in Seoul and provincial cities.

Koreans in the Philippines

Koreans in the Philippines, largely consisting of expatriates from South Korea and
people born in the Philippines with Korean ancestry, form the second largest Korean
diaspora community in Southeast Asia and the 14th-largest in the world, after Koreans in
Kazakhstan and before Koreans in Vietnam. As of 2013, statistics of South Korea's
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade recorded their population at 88,102 people, a fall
of 31% since 2009 after a period of rapid growth in the population in the preceding decade.

Many South Koreans living in the Philippines are attracted to the low cost of
English-language education and housing, both significantly cheaper than those offered in
their native South Korea. The warmer climate is yet another motivating factor for the
recent surge in migration. The Philippines is also a popular destination for retired South
Koreans on fixed pensions, the Filipino government actively promotes the settlement of
South Korean retirees in the country because of the potential lucrative opportunities for
the local economy. There are also known cases of North Koreans having been admitted
to the Philippines as migrant workers.

Korean Buddhist Temple

Located in Brgy. Pooc II, Silang, Cavite is a Korean temple, a famous yet hidden
landmark in the province. Formally known as the Manila Buddhist Meditation Center,
this temple was built in 2008 and is said to be the first Korean temple in the Philippines.
Not to be confused with Saint Andrew Kim Taegon Shrine in Lolomboy, Bocaue,
Bulacan which was established in 2001 in honor of the very first Korean saint. This

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modern temple in Silang, Cavite is probably the first “Buddhist” temple founded in the
country (Buddhism is one of the most dominant religion in Korea).

Manila Buddhist Meditation Center is actually a private property but they are
allowing walk-in visitors to drop by. There was also a minimal entrance fee of Php30
before the pandemic, but it is of free entry now. Visitors are warmly welcomed by the
caretakers of the temple and they were even kind enough to open the actual temple so we
can see the altar inside. The place features a wonderful landscape and offers a tranquil
atmosphere.

The main highlight of this place is the Korean temple itself which makes you feel
that you’re visiting an actual temple in Korea.

The altar featuring deities or Buddha Gods; Ksitigarbha Bodhisatva, Shakyamuni,

and Avalokitesvara Bodhisatva. The wall behind the altar also features thousands of small
niches with small Buddha statues.

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 II. ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
Korean Buddhist temples showcase a unique blend of architectural features that
distinguish them from other Buddhist temples in Asia. Some of the key architectural
elements of Korean Buddhist temples include:

1. Dancheong:

This is a traditional Korean decorative coloring technique used on wooden

buildings and artifacts. It involves the use of five basic colors: blue (east), white (west),
red (south), black (north), and yellow (center). These colors are used to create intricate
patterns and motifs, which often include plants, animals, and geometric shapes. The
dancheong technique is a key feature that sets Korean Buddhist temples apart from their
Japanese and Chinese counterparts.

2. Roof Tiles:

Korean Buddhist temples often feature ornate roof tiles, which are used in royal
buildings, aristocratic structures, and temples. Some of these tiles are produced in the
shape of a lion, a Buddhist guardian.

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3. Layout:

A typical Korean Buddhist temple consists of multiple buildings, with the main
hall being the heart of the temple complex. The main hall is highly ornamented and
decorated, showcasing the complex architecture of the temple. Other buildings within the
temple complex may include separate Mountain Spirit Shrines, Seven Star Spirit Shrines,
and Recluse Shrines.

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4. Shrine Halls:

Depending on the size and significance of the temple, there can be multiple shrine
halls within the temple complex. These halls house various Buddha and Bodhisattva
statues and are used for worship and meditation.

5. Pagodas:

Many Korean Buddhist temples feature pagodas, which are tall, multi-tiered
towers that serve as a focal point within the temple complex. The below picture is a stone
image of a Pagoda with bas reliefs depicting the images of the deities and kings. One
important aspect of pagodas is their symbolic importance in Buddhist religion. They
symbolize areas of worship as well as the greatness of Buddha himself, and the tall
structure suggested a link between Heaven and Earth.

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6. Integration with Nature:

Korean Buddhist temples are often built in harmony with their natural
surroundings, such as forests and mountains. This harmonious blend of architecture and
nature is a key aspect of Korean temple design.

7. Daeungjeon (Main Buddha Hall):

The main shrine hall housing the temple's main Buddha images

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Some other examples of shrine halls include:

7.1 Gwaneum-jeon:

Hall of Avalokitesvara: Avalokitesvara is a bodhisattva who embodies the

compassion of all Buddhas and is the principal attendant of Amitabha Buddha on the
right. The name Avalokiteshvara means "Lord who looks down with compassion".
Avalokitesvara is one of the most distinguished bodhisattvas in Buddhism, noted for his
compassion and mercy. The bodhisattva has undergone many transformations over the
centuries, adopting new qualities, names, and even a different gender. According to an
old Tibetan tradition, Avalokiteshvara has a special relation with the people of Tibet and
is considered the manifestation of the selfless, unconditional compassion of the buddhas.

7.2 Myeongbu-jeon:

The Judgment Hall

7.3 Beopdang:

Dharma hall, a beopdang is a Dharma hall used for lectures and sermons in
Korean Buddhist temples. It is the hall in which the most common and important
ceremonies are held. When Seon (Zen) Buddhism was first introduced to Korea around
Korea's late Silla and early Goryeo eras, the function of the beopdang was established.
The beopdang is one type of Dharma-shrine or Main Hall, and it is often informally called
that because it is the most important hall in the temple.

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8. Stone Lanterns:

Stone lanterns are a type of traditional East Asian lantern made of stone, wood, or
metal, and are most commonly found in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. They are often
found at the edges of Buddhist temples and have both practical and symbolic functions.
The stone lantern represents the light of wisdom which brightens up the mind, awakens
the world from darkness, and leads people to nirvana. One of the main historic centers of
production of stone lanterns is Okazaki, Aichi, and the traditional stonemasonry there was
registered by the government as a Japanese craft in 1979. Stone lanterns are meant to
represent the spreading of the Buddha's teachings, the Dharma. Bronze lanterns are also
common, but not as diverse in form as the stone ones. They are divided into sections that
represent the five elements of Buddhist cosmology.

9. Nio Temple Guardians:

Near the entrance, you’ll find a couple of so-called Nio Temple Guardians. They
said that Nio Guardians are there to guard and protect the temple from evil spirits and
demons but also human robbers. They are often depicted with mascular physique and
fierce faces. They are similar to Japanese Architecture’s Komainu, with one statue having
mouth opened and the other one shut.

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10. Rooftops:

The rooftops are very fascinating. To provide the strength required to sustain the
weighty tiles, complete tree trunks of varied girths are intertwined in layers upon layers.
Aesthetic proportions are always taken into consideration, even when buildings are
extremely tiered and gabled. It's noteworthy to note that in the past, people thought evil
moved in straight lines. The ends of the roofs are bent up to prevent it from entering the
structure.

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11. Yeondeunghoe:

It is the Korean name for the Lotus Lantern Festival; has its roots in Korea's
Buddhist culture. The celebration, which has been celebrated for more than 1,200 years,
denotes the victory of light over darkness as well as optimism and a spiritual reawakening.
According to the lunar calendar, the occasion is commemorated on Buddha's birthday,
which often occurs in late April or early May. Recently, May 27th of 2023, Saturday, a
celebration was held in the Buddhist Temple in Silang, Cavite, that is why a lantern
display on the ceilings can be seen in the below picture.

12. Animal Figures:

Animals that inspire fear or goodwill in humans are frequently utilized as subjects.
Animals that are shown in patterns are not only real, but also symbolic of the human soul.
Figures are depictions of the human face or shape, or they can be new patterns like Buddha
or deities or imps. Bicheonsang has frequently appeared in Buddhist art in Korea,
alongside figures such as the Buddha and the deities. Animals, the existence of which was
to benefit the animals, usually used as pattern material, when shown as animal patterns as
opposed to merely adopting their appearance. The human consciousness has also been

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influenced by symbolism. A dragon is a mythical creature brought to life because of its
might. All animals began to recognize the dragon as their leader. The dragon was regarded
as a mysterious being because of its limitless strength.

13. Munsal:

Traditional Korean wood frame.

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14. Mungan Chae:

Traditional Korean entrance gate

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15. Tea with Three Adorable Little Buddhas:

It's worth noting that tea has a deep relationship with Buddhism. Tea encapsulates
China's history. It represents the philosophy and practises of yoga, zen, and meditation.
The concerns of Buddhism for healthy daily living evoke up images of tea. They
emphasize its relaxing, clean, meditative, and ceremonial characteristics.

16. Four Heavenly Kings:

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From left to right:

16.1. Virlhaka:

King of the South and one who promotes root growth. To safeguard the Dharma
and the southern continent, he carries a sword in his right hand.

16.2. Vessavana:

The North's King and the leader of the Four Kings. His emblematic weapons are
the umbrella and the pagoda.

16.3. Dhatarattha:

The East's ruler and the deity of music. The pipa (stringed instrument) is his
emblem.

16.4. Virpakkha:

The West's King and all-seeing eye. His emblematic weapon is a snake or red cord
in the shape of a dragon.

17. Laughing Buddha:

The Laughing Buddha is a representation of joy, satisfaction, and wealth. His

Chinese name is Budai. He was a 10th-century Chinese monk who wandered from village
to village carrying a large sack over his shoulder and his name translates to Cloth Sac. He
was beloved by children and the poor, to whom he would give rice and sweets from his
sack. He was venerated as Maitreya Buddha in Chan Buddhism.

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III. DRAWINGS, PLANS, AND ILLUSTRATIONS

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 IV. NARRATIVE REPORT
On May 28th, 2023, a group of friends consisting of Amancio, Castro Corpuz,
Consulta, Dela Cruz, Lumauag, Puenteblanca, and Tinae embarked on a journey to visit
a Korean temple located in Brgy. Pooc 2, Silang Cavite.

To make the most of their visit, the group decided to meet up at LPU at 7:00 am,
eager to arrive at the temple as early as possible. They patiently waited for each member
until 7:30 am, utilizing this time to plan and brainstorm ideas for their temple experience.
By 8:00 am, the group had gathered and was on their way to the Korean Temple.

Fortunately, the temple was situated in a secluded area, away from traffic,
allowing them to reach their destination in less than an hour, well before 9:00 am. Since
they had departed in groups, not everyone had arrived yet, prompting them to explore the
temple compound while waiting. As they roamed around, they marveled at the distinctive
features of a Buddhist temple, such as the abundance of statues depicting their deities and
gods.

Finally, the remaining members of the group arrived shortly after 9:00 am. With
everyone present, they approached the temple entrance, initially uncertain if they were
allowed to enter. After engaging in a friendly conversation with the caretakers, they were
granted permission to explore the temple grounds.

Stepping inside, they discovered a vast open space adorned with wooden flooring.
The group was required to remove their shoes as a sign of respect. The interior of the
temple featured rows upon rows of Buddha statues, with a central altar housing a
magnificent statue of Buddha surrounded by other revered figures and various ceremonial
elements. The Temple had a high ceiling and was heavily decorated with lotus lanterns.

As the day progressed, nearing 11:00 am, the group concluded their visit to the
temple. They made sure to capture their final pictures and videos, and finally bidding the
temple farewell.

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V. DOCUMENTATION

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 VIII. REFERENCES
 https://bluedreamer27.com/an-instagrammable-korean-temple-in-silang-cavite/
 https://www.antiquealive.com/Blogs/Buddhist_Temples_Korea.html
 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koreans_in_the_Philippines
 https://ling-app.com/ko/korean-architecture/
 https://asiasociety.org/education/historical-and-modern-religions-
korea#:~:text=Buddhism%20was%20introduced%20into%20Korea,by%20the%
20mid%2Dfifth%20century.
 https://www.britannica.com/art/Korean-architecture/Koryo-period-918-1392
 https://koreantempleguide.com/daeung-jeon-great-hero-hall-
%EB%8C%80%EC%9B%85%EC%A0%84/
 https://www.koreanbuddhism.net/bbs/board.php?bo_table=1020&wr_id=21
 https://www.goworldtravel.com/travel-templestays-korea-buddhist-retreat-
centers/
 https://www.koreanbuddhism.net/bbs/board.php?bo_table=50a0&wr_id=5
 https://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/history/buddhist-art/korean02.htm
 https://www.japan-experience.com/plan-your-trip/to-know/understanding-
japan/stone-lanterns
 https://www.scribd.com/document/0000000000000000000/Korean-Architecture
 https://www.bluedreamer27.com/an-instagrammable-korean-temple-in-silang-
cavite/

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