A Study on the Status of the Inner Palace Buddhist Prayer Hall during the 15th Century and Its Shifting Features

This article examines the transformation of the Inner Palace Buddhist Prayer Hall(內佛堂) from a temple in Munsojeon(文昭殿) to a royal temple outside the palace from the reign of King Taejong to the reign of King Seongjong through the changes in its location, function, and management system. Munsojeon Buddha Hall, built under the influence of Goryeo customs in the Taejong Dynasty, was located within the palace. The Buddhist temple in Changdeokgung Palace prayed for the royal family, but its target was only the king and queen, and its function was limited to praying for them. After the reign of King Sejong, the Inner Palace Buddhist Prayer Hall was located outside the palace, freeing it from the restrictions of being an adjunct to Munsojeon, and transformed into a place where various Buddhist rituals could be performed according to the will of the king or the royal family. The Naebuldang was established and its operating principles and support system were established. During the reign of King Seongjong, the support system was also applied to major royal temples. This meant that the operation of the Inner Palace Buddhist Prayer Hall served as a model for the royal temples built after the reign of king Sejo.