Korean temple art, particularly dancheong (단청), is a traditional decorative painting style applied to wooden buildings, especially Buddhist temples and palaces. Here’s a concise overview:

Dancheong: The Art of Korean Temple Decoration Definition: Dancheong refers to the intricate, colorful patterns painted on wooden structures, using five cardinal colors (blue, red, yellow, white, black) based on the yin-yang and Five Elements Theory.

Purpose: Originally functional, it protected wood from weather and pests while symbolizing spiritual and royal authority.

Colors & Symbolism: Blue (east, wood), Red (south, fire), Yellow (center, earth), White (west, metal), Black (north, water). Designs include lotus flowers (Buddhism), dragons (power), and geometric patterns.

Technique: Applied via polishing, sketching, and layering colors in a strict order. Patterns vary by building type (temples vs. palaces) and regional styles.

Historical Roots:Traced to Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE–668 CE) and documented in Samguk Yusa. UNESCO-listed Korean mountain temples exemplify its harmony with nature.

Related Art Forms: Taenghwa: Korean Buddhist scroll paintings, influenced by Tibetan thangka, often hung behind temple statues.

Modern Relevance: Preserved in temples like Beopjusa and Weoljeongsa, dancheong inspires contemporary fashion and design.