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Songbul Temple in DPRK

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK via Korea News Service (KNS)

   Pyongyang, August 3 (KCNA) -- Songbul Temple built in 898 is located in the fort on Mt. Jongbang in Sariwon city, North Hwanghae Province, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. It consists of 6 buildings--Ungjin, Kukrak, Myongbu and Unha halls and Chongphung and Sansin pavilions with a five-storied pagoda in the centre.
    The Ungjin hall is one of the oldest remaining wooden buildings in the country. It, belonging to the period of Koryo (918-1392), was rebuilt in 1327 Though nearly 700 years has passed since its reconstruction, its colorful painting remains unchanged. The Kukrak hall, which was built in 898 and rebuilt in 1376, was burnt out by the U.S. imperialist aggressors' bombing during the Fatherland Liberation War. The present one was constructed as it was in Juche 45 (1956).
    The Ungjin and Kukrak halls are worthy of studying the medieval architecture as they reflect the variety of architecture of Koryo.
    The Myongbu hall was built in 1711. Its interior beams painted during the Ri Dynasty still keep its original color.
    There remain in Chongphung pavilion, the front gate of the Temple, a bell and wood carvings depicting fish which were used in Buddhist rite during the Ri Dynasty. The Unha hall and Sansin pavilion are buildings where monks lived and studied.
    Lots of people visit the temple, enjoying their holidays in Mt. Jongbang which has turned into a pleasure ground under the wise leadership of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.