Subject Description from ‘Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism’ :

The One Pillar Gate, which is called “Iljumun” or “Sanmun” in Korean, is the first gate to encounter when visiting mountain temples. The One Pillar Gate is named after the fact that its pillars are lined up in one straight line. It symbolizes entering the temple with a oneness of mind toward the world of truth while putting aside worldly desires.

It is considered a boundary between the secular and the Dharma world, and is the first gateway which crosses from “this shore” to the “other shore.”

I am interested in see and take the architecture photos, and want to show you images that with my own perspective and various ways of expression. It will compose with past – modern – contemporary period and these works are belong to past period.

I concerned for old architectures in Korea, and nationwide temples are the representative ones. Among the temple’s component, I felt the presence of Iljumun(One Pillar Gate), so I took many photos that focused in the ceiling part of Iljumun, is the first gate to encounter when visiting mountain temples nationwide.

Every temples’ Iljumun, its meanings are the same. But its colors, patterns and constructions are all different. I think it is the interesting factor. Each Iljumun has various expression of Dancheong (traditional multicolored paintwork on wooden buildings) and decoration such as dragon and many more.

It’s original intention is special. When you pass the Iljumun, It differentiate your world before and after in the boundary of each temple. It means your secular society and (another) Bhudda’s World. And it also means ordinary world and the next world. and even if you don’t know its meanings, but it has orientalic beauties itself.

Wish you all visitors are get the impressions about our traditional beauties through these works.  Sincerely.

COLLECTORS :

KOREAN NATIONAL COMMITTEE FOR UN-HABITAT 

AND MORE.