Yongsung Memorial

Invited competition

Location : Jangsoo-goon, Korea
Period : 2022.05 - 2022.05
Design : SeungBum Ma + ChungWhan Park (Simplex Architecture)
Design Team : JeongWon Park, JiYeon Kim, JiYul Kwon
Landscape : studio201

A place where people’s lives follow the teachings of Buddha, and lessons of Buddha become people’s lives. A Buddhist monk Yongsung declared ‘Ja-gak (to awaken by oneself)’, ‘Gak-ta (assist others to awaken)’, ‘Gak-haeng (a way of  awakening altogether)’, ‘Gak-maan (full of enlightenment)’, and ‘Dae-gak (A world of enlightenment)’. This project becomes a place of learning, performing, and fulfilling of the enlightenment.

Building masses divided by various courtyards acquire individual spatial character. Functions of each mass are expandable to neighboring courtyards and maximize compatibility. In ordinary times, silent courtyards draw the visitor’s contemplation and meditation, and they accommodate diverse events and activities by needs. 

Access from the north side of the site leads to the ‘Gak-haeng Madang (plaza)’. People behold a descending curved mass that corresponds to the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The linear form draws one’s eye to the ‘Juklim-Jeongsa (a temple of the monk Yongsung)’ and implies a journey to enlightenment.

As soon as the visitor passes by the entrance of the curved mass, one arrives at the main hall; a silent place of light, and shadow. The inside of the building is also cast with white exposed concrete with a wooden texture, and the atmosphere provokes the visitor’s sensual experience.

A part of the memorial program on the upper side implies the end of the promenade. The auditorium and underground hall with the outdoor courtyard appear to the left. ‘Juklim-Jeongsa’ is visible on the left side, too. On the right, people can find a meditation place. A staircase full of light welcomes the visitor to the next journey.

The main courtyard framing a clear sky is surrounded by the auditorium, underground hall, the dining area (eating is another way of practicing asceticism), and a wall. Each program can be expandable to the courtyard, and they can be integrated with sliding doors at special events. 

The journey of the visitor ends at the memorial program on the 2nd floor. After passing through the dark exhibition space where monk Yongsung’s lessons are displayed, one faces an outdoor terrace full of light. People appreciate and contemplate the lessons of the monk Yongsung while beholding the ‘Juklim-Jeongsa’ in the distance.