東國大學校 正覺院 건물의 역사와 건축적 특징* -경희궁 숭정전과의 관련을 중심으로-

Abstract

The Jeongakwon building situated within Dongguk University now was Seungjeongjeon, a main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Acquired by a Japanese temple based in Mt. Namsan, Seungjeongjeon represents the history Gyeonghuigung Palace being destroyed by the Japanese empire. Sold once again off to Hyehwa Collage, then-name of Dongguk University, Seungjeongjeon went through classroom and martial arts studio to gain current status of Buddhist sanctum. Earned its name in the era of King Injo, Seungjeongjeon was previously called Yoongjeongjeon of Gyeongdeokgung Palace, which later gained its current name of Gyeonghuigung Palace in King Yeongjo era upon its establishment by King Gwanghaegun. According to a record, Seungjeongjeon has never been re-constructed, retaining its original structure, by only having been repaired a total of six times and relocation to the current place by the Japanese empire. However, constructional features of Seungjeongjeon are so different from common palaces that it is columnar bracket clusters, also known as Gongpo-style, and a hanging dragon (Buryong) from the ceiling become talking points. Contrary to any other main halls of Joseon Dynasty palaces featuring multi-bracket clusters, also known as Dapo-style, Seungjeongjeon harmonizes both styles of Dapo and Gong-po, with its interior supported by joints (known as Bo-a-ji) devoid of any of bracket clusters. While some says this is a harmful consequence of unreasonable period of construction as urged by King Gwanghaegun, others argue this might be the result of restructuring, which is much more persuasive when considering Myeongjeongjeon of Changyeongung Palace, built as late as Seungjeongjeon. The comparison between Myeongjeongjeon and Seungjeongjeon draws a mere conclusion that this somehow was restructured in not earlier than mid-19C. As for ceiling decoration representing a hanging dragon, Buryong, with Seven Claws, it is clear-cut that the decoration had painted over from the original color of dark-yellow, often times used to symbolize a King by means of a dragon. This Seven-clawed Dragon appears not only on Seungjeongjeon but on Geunjeongjeon of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Hwangungwoo of Wongudan, and a ceiling decoration in Shinseonwonjeon of Changdeokgung, all of which represent the emperor of the Korean Empire era. This also assumes the dragon decoration in Seungjeongjeon and Geunjeongjeon of Gyeongbokgung Palace, built in Joseon Dynasty represents the regal power. Dendrochronologically analyzable, such ceilings were decorated in not earlier than mid-19C, according to a record. The study is for in-depth understanding on the peculiarity laid on Seungjeongjeon, the only palace-turned Buddhist sanctum, harmonized construction style, and ceiling decoration of this Seven-clawed dragon.