• Korean Journal of Heritage: History & Science
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• v.46 no.1
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• pp.140-159
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• 2013

The wooden stupa of Hwangyongsa temple - which was designed and constructed by master craftsman Abigi of the Baekje Dynasty during the Silla Dynasty between the 12th year of Queen Seondeok (AD 643) and AD 646 - can be regarded as a typical Korean wooden stupa. However, it was destroyed by fire during an invasion by the Mongolians in AD 1238 during the Koryo Dynasty. In spite of progress in research for the restoration of the wooden stupa, there are some remains to be re-considered in regard to ruins, relics and literature previously discovered. In particular, research conducted on frame construction and structure can be considered an important basis for restoration. However, previous studies seem to have not attempted to establish structural and formative characteristics of the wooden stupa based on the indigenous techniques and styles of traditional Korea, but general characteristics of the wooden stupa biased toward cultural interchange with neighbouring countries. As such, in this study the frame construction and structure of the wooden stupa of Hwangyongsa temple were analysed and considered in detail based on the re-interpretation of literature which can be a clue about the structure of the stupa, related ruins of the 7th century period, and previous studies. As a result, this paper supposed and presented a model picture for the plane arrangement of pillars, structural methods for Dwibburi (뒤뿌리) of Haangjae (하앙재), Shimju (심주), and other key areas. The author hopes that this study contributes substantially to research on the wooden stupa of ancient Korea and to the establishment of construction and structural methods.