Located in Taesong District, Pyongyang, the Kwangbop Temple was built under the reign of King Kwanggaetho of Koguryo (277 BC-AD 668).
The temple consists of the Haethal and Chonwang gates, Taeung Hall, east and west Buddhist monasteries, an octagonal five-storey pagoda, and others.
Buildings are distributed symmetrically along the central axis leading to a tower. The temple distribution system whereby buildings are laid out on four sides centring on a tower was often used in the period of Koguryo.
The Taeung Hall, the main building of the temple, was gorgeously painted. There are sculptures of young monks riding an elephant and lion at the Haethal Gate, while the Chonwang Gate has sculptures of Four Devas.
There remain a lotus pond which has been handed down since olden times, a monument to the Kwangbop Temple built in 1727 and a monument to the temple’s enlargement and painting built later. The monument to the Kwangbop Temple is inscribed with a legend of nine dragons and 99 ponds on Mt Taesongguryong.
The temple is a valuable cultural heritage site showcasing the developed architecture of the Korean nation and serves as a precious material for the study of the history and culture of Korea including the Koguryo dynasty.
More From Pyongyang Times
European countries are strongly resisting the US’ threat to impose from February 1 10 percent tariff on those countries which do n
January 24, 2026
European countries are strongly resisting the US’ threat to impose from February 1 10 percent tariff on those countries which do n
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitri Peskov mentioned about a series of international issues at the recent press
January 23, 2026
Russian presidential press secretary Dmitri Peskov mentioned about a series of international issues at the recent press
The US Senators and Representatives recently criticized the authorities' attempt to annex Greenland. Military invasion of
January 23, 2026
The US Senators and Representatives recently criticized the authorities' attempt to annex Greenland. Military invasion of
A new spectacular sight of regional development has unfolded in the Yombunjin area renowned as a scenic attraction on the east
January 23, 2026
A new spectacular sight of regional development has unfolded in the Yombunjin area renowned as a scenic attraction on the east
Several rural villages in South Phyongan Province have undergone radical changes. Modern houses were built in Soje-ri of Taedong
January 23, 2026
Several rural villages in South Phyongan Province have undergone radical changes. Modern houses were built in Soje-ri of Taedong
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Ok Suk, a war veteran living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 14 of
January 23, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a birthday spread to Ri Ok Suk, a war veteran living in Neighbourhood Unit No. 14 of
Working people in Kaesong have remodelled the finishing building materials factory. The completion of the factory, furnished with
January 23, 2026
Working people in Kaesong have remodelled the finishing building materials factory. The completion of the factory, furnished with
In 1925 President Kim Il Sung made the 1 000-ri (250 miles) Journey for National Liberation with a lofty aim to win back his
January 23, 2026
In 1925 President Kim Il Sung made the 1 000-ri (250 miles) Journey for National Liberation with a lofty aim to win back his
Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the foreign policy line of his country in a diplomatic meeting on January 15. He
January 22, 2026
Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the foreign policy line of his country in a diplomatic meeting on January 15. He
With contagious diseases breaking out one after another across the world, a flu epidemic is rapidly spreading. The World Health
January 22, 2026
With contagious diseases breaking out one after another across the world, a flu epidemic is rapidly spreading. The World Health
Mountain villages in Jagang Province are turning into a fairyland. House-moving in Puji-ri of Songgan County, Ryongmun-ri of
January 22, 2026
Mountain villages in Jagang Province are turning into a fairyland. House-moving in Puji-ri of Songgan County, Ryongmun-ri of
A new catalyst production base has been built at the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex. The catalyst production base is another
January 22, 2026
A new catalyst production base has been built at the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex. The catalyst production base is another
With the implementation of the Regional Development 20x10 Policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea, regional-industry factories are
January 22, 2026
With the implementation of the Regional Development 20x10 Policy of the Workers’ Party of Korea, regional-industry factories are
The Youth Movement Museum marked the tenth anniversary of its founding. The respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un personally
January 22, 2026
The Youth Movement Museum marked the tenth anniversary of its founding. The respected fatherly Marshal Kim Jong Un personally
It has been ten years since the Youth Movement Museum was opened to public to convey the Workers' Party of Korea's idea of
January 22, 2026
It has been ten years since the Youth Movement Museum was opened to public to convey the Workers' Party of Korea's idea of
Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Security Council of Russia, posted an article on an SNS on January 12 to deride the US’ atte
January 21, 2026
Dmitri Medvedev, vice-chairman of the Security Council of Russia, posted an article on an SNS on January 12 to deride the US’ atte
Russia decided to deport a diplomat of the British embassy in the country. On January 15, the Russian Foreign Ministry called the
January 21, 2026
Russia decided to deport a diplomat of the British embassy in the country. On January 15, the Russian Foreign Ministry called the
Spectacular scenes of rural development have unfolded at several farms in Kangwon Province. Newly-built public and production
January 21, 2026
Spectacular scenes of rural development have unfolded at several farms in Kangwon Province. Newly-built public and production
The Academy of Forest Science has been built on a modern basis. The academy has all facilities and conditions, including an office
January 21, 2026
The Academy of Forest Science has been built on a modern basis. The academy has all facilities and conditions, including an office
The case of poisoning of Emperor Kojong is recorded as one of the violations of the sovereignty of Korea committed by the Japanese
January 21, 2026
The case of poisoning of Emperor Kojong is recorded as one of the violations of the sovereignty of Korea committed by the Japanese
More Articles
