The Changes of The Donghwasa(桐華寺), and its meanings from Unified Silla Period to Late Joseon

During the Unified Silla period, Donghwasa (桐華寺) was founded in 832, centered on the Geumdangam (金堂庵) area. It is presumed that, through Dongsuwondang (桐藪願堂) and Cheomdang (籤堂), the temple grounds expanded to include the Biroam (毘盧庵) and Daeungjeon (大雄殿) areas. It is also confirmed that the temple held the status of a central site for Maitreya worship.<br/> Donghwasa maintained a high standing throughout the Goryeo period, but by the early Joseon period its influence had declined. Nevertheless, it is evident that the temple layout from the Unified Silla period was preserved and further developed.<br/> In the late Joseon period, Donghwasa was reorganized around the Daeungjeon area and experienced changes such as adopting Zen Buddhism (禪宗). These changes were related to trends in temple construction within the late Joseon Buddhist community and the promotion of Seon centered on the Linji school (臨濟宗). The transformation of Donghwasa during this period reflected the prevailing currents of Buddhism at the time.