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
From the outset of the new year, the present ultra-right ruling forces of Japan are adding a serious danger to the security
January 12, 2026
From the outset of the new year, the present ultra-right ruling forces of Japan are adding a serious danger to the security
The Danish prime minister rejected the US’ attempt to annex Greenland in a radio interview on January 5.As regards the US chief ex
January 12, 2026
The Danish prime minister rejected the US’ attempt to annex Greenland in a radio interview on January 5.As regards the US chief ex
A spokesman for the EU Commission on January 5 took a stand against the US ruler’s remarks revealing the intention to gain
January 12, 2026
A spokesman for the EU Commission on January 5 took a stand against the US ruler’s remarks revealing the intention to gain
means devising one’s way to live by one’s own determination and efforts without relying on others. The DPRK’s history of
January 12, 2026
means devising one’s way to live by one’s own determination and efforts without relying on others. The DPRK’s history of
A meeting with sportspersons who won the international games in 2025 was held on January 9. Present there were Kim Il Guk,
January 12, 2026
A meeting with sportspersons who won the international games in 2025 was held on January 9. Present there were Kim Il Guk,
Officials of ministries and national agencies in the DPRK did the first Friday labour of the new year at farms in Pyongyang on
January 12, 2026
Officials of ministries and national agencies in the DPRK did the first Friday labour of the new year at farms in Pyongyang on
New houses have been built in Sambong-ri of Phyongwon County and Yonphung-ri of Anju City, South Phyongan Province. Attending the
January 12, 2026
New houses have been built in Sambong-ri of Phyongwon County and Yonphung-ri of Anju City, South Phyongan Province. Attending the
The Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory overfulfilled its yearly plan and produced hundreds of thousands of square metres of more
January 12, 2026
The Phyongsong Synthetic Leather Factory overfulfilled its yearly plan and produced hundreds of thousands of square metres of more
The Mexican president rejected the US’ attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of her country at a press conference on Januar
January 11, 2026
The Mexican president rejected the US’ attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of her country at a press conference on Januar
Han Yong Sun, winner of the Communist Mother Honour Prize living in Musan County of North Hamgyong Province, was a well-known
January 11, 2026
Han Yong Sun, winner of the Communist Mother Honour Prize living in Musan County of North Hamgyong Province, was a well-known
The General Association of Koreans in China held celebrations on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Officials and members of the
January 11, 2026
The General Association of Koreans in China held celebrations on the occasion of the New Year 2026. Officials and members of the
Cement production units in the DPRK have increased production since the beginning of the year. The Sangwon Cement Complex carried
January 11, 2026
Cement production units in the DPRK have increased production since the beginning of the year. The Sangwon Cement Complex carried
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a flower basket to Thongloun Sisoulith, who was reelected as general secretary of the
January 11, 2026
The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un sent a flower basket to Thongloun Sisoulith, who was reelected as general secretary of the
The right to existence of the working masses is being trampled down in Western countries. In December last year, farmers from
January 10, 2026
The right to existence of the working masses is being trampled down in Western countries. In December last year, farmers from
Bloody, violent crimes occurred in succession in Western countries around New Year’s Day.A man in his 20s brandished a knife to ca
January 10, 2026
Bloody, violent crimes occurred in succession in Western countries around New Year’s Day.A man in his 20s brandished a knife to ca
Photo exhibitions "Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism" were
January 10, 2026
Photo exhibitions "Ushering in an era of gigantic transformation for comprehensive development of Korean-style socialism" were
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Thongloun Sisoulith, general
January 10, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Thongloun Sisoulith, general
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
January 10, 2026
Kim Jong Un, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's
New houses have appeared at the Sinphung and Yongjung farms in Sinpho City and at the Namhoe Farm in Hongwon County of South
January 10, 2026
New houses have appeared at the Sinphung and Yongjung farms in Sinpho City and at the Namhoe Farm in Hongwon County of South
In 2025, the DPRK made positive efforts to develop sports and make them mass-based.Fierce gamesAs in 2024, many sports games held
January 09, 2026
In 2025, the DPRK made positive efforts to develop sports and make them mass-based.Fierce gamesAs in 2024, many sports games held
More Articles
