Establishing a New Tradition

This chapter examines the characteristics of Koryo Buddhist architecture, focusing on key concepts, monuments, and moments in its long history. It examines the building of Kaegyong during the early Koryo period (918–1170) and analyzes the two major types of Buddhist monastries constructed during the early and middle Koryo (1170–1270). Although geomancy was widely practiced at the end of the Silla kingdom (57 BCE–935 CE), it was not until the Koryo that it was employed in the planning of a capital city. In the capital city, Buddhist temples were a defining feature of the architectural landscape. The distinctive features of the Buddhism that Son monks practiced are clearly discernible in the layout of their mountain monasteries. The chapter also examines the architectural forms and interior configurations of extant wooden halls from the late Koryo (1270-1392). I.