A Review on Changes in Spatial Formation of the Sangrojun Area in Tongdo Temple

통도사 상로전 영역의 공간구성 변화 고찰

The Tongdo temple have been transformed continuously since its first establishment about 1300 years ago. Nevertheless three critical elements specified by 'Jajangyulsa', founder of the temple have not varied over the times but rather strengthened and strongly combined. All elements and doctrines of the religion coexist and form a harmony within the whole of the temple. This researcher examined what changes, or combinations, in spatial formation were sought for such unique structures of the Tongue temple by focusing mainly on the Sangrojun area of the temple to obtain the following findings. First. unlike a work by a Japanese researcher 'Sekino Tadashi', the east yard of the main building was found located on the section line which corresponded to the separation line of Yungkuncheokdo(營建尺度=measure running) from the edge of the Keumkangkyedan(金剛戒壇 =Buddhist platform) embankment to the corner column of the Kamrodang. This was confirmed as a result of the review of photos shown in [Chosun Kojukdobo]. Second, the number of stairs used for the Keumkangkyedan was thought to become three when the temple was firstly restored in 1379 as a result that this researcher reviewed Chinese literature 'DoSun' and [Kyedandokyung(戒壇圖經)], records by 'Lee saek' and 'Jung Shihan', studies of Yungkun measure and actual changes in the temple. Then the temple was forth restored in 1705 when the second of the stairs was changed in area and height and at the same time grounded hard for a space for a Buddhist service. Third, the roof of the main building was probably changed in shape during the Koryo period when the plane structure, furnish arrangement, emphasized front, stone lanterns of the building and political factors of that time were all considered. Fourth, the main building was Initially designed to provide a Buddhist sermon service which was assumedly followed by a similar service at a Keumkangkyedan. Thus the main building had a small window on the northern side which might be opened up to look out or otherwise go outside like a door. However, the window was probably locked up like a surrounding wall since the main building was entirely repaired after the end of Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.