Jetavana Buddhist Temple

Studio GAON - Chuncheon-si, South Korea - 2018

Key words: Buddha, Bricks, Meditation, Sanctuary, Spirit

TEMPLE EXTERIOR - Photography: © Youngchae Park & Yongkwan Kim

The Jetavana Seon (Zen) Centre is conceived as a meditation-focused temple that balances tradition, symbolism, and modernity. Rooted in the Buddhist principle of the Middle Way (Madhyamā-pratipad), the project emphasises a spatial and philosophical journey that is “pleasant from beginning to end.” Rather than relying on strict linearity, the design embraces meandering paths and tiered sequences that harmonise with both topography and religious doctrine, reflecting the Buddhist teaching that spirituality is not a direct path but one shaped by reflection and experience.

The project also revisits the historic significance of Jetavana, the forest monastery where the Buddha resided the longest, using its story and symbolism as design foundations. Brick was chosen as the primary material, symbolising both permanence and the remnants of the original Jetavana. The temple diverges from the conventional Korean hanok style, instead employing a concrete frame clad in 300,000 bricks, blending modern construction with historical reference. The layout respects traditional temple sequencing, with the Iljumun Gate leading to spaces organised in three stages - office, residences, and sanctuary - reflecting hierarchy and ritual progression.

Critically, the design succeeds in restoring Buddhist spiritual essence within a contemporary idiom. It integrates narrative, material symbolism, and architectural innovation, creating a sacred environment that embodies both heritage and modern reinterpretation.