Correlations among the Altar Location, Methods of Binding Columns behind the Altar, and the Size of the Lateral Side of Central Halls in Korean Buddhist Temples

Abstract

The design of central halls of Korean Buddhist temples includes the location of the altar, which is positioned so as to generate more space in front of it, thus allowing it to be used more comfortably. Changes in the location of the altar from the center of the hall to the rear, are related structurally to the Column behind the altar. The structure of the Column is related especially to the size of lateral side of the hall. Methods of binding the Column behind the altar and components of upper structure show the characteristics of the overall structure and influence the size of the lateral side of the hall. Therefore, understanding correlations among the altar location, methods of binding the Column behind the altar, and the size of the lateral side of the hall are very important in understanding the structural changes in Buddhist architecture in general, as such correlations represented the most important motivation for change during the Chosun Dynasty.