SEOUL, Nov. 13 (Yonhap) -- The Daewoongjeon halls at Unheungsa Temple in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, and Geodongsa Temple in Yeongcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, have been designated as national treasures, the Korea Heritage Service (KH) said Friday.

Unheungsa Temple is believed to have been founded in 676 by Buddhist monk Uisang (625-702), during the reign of King Munmu (661-681) of the Silla Kingdom.

The temple served as a base for an army of Buddhist monks led by monk Samyeongdang (1544-1610) during the 1592-1598 Japanese invasions of Korea. It was completely destroyed during the fighting and later rebuilt, with the Daewoongjeon hall constructed as part of the reconstruction.

Based on inscriptions found on building components and roof tiles, the hall is believed to have been built in 1682.

A recent tree-ring analysis of major structural components also confirmed that the timber used in the building was felled between late autumn 1681 and early spring 1682.

The Daewoongjeon hall at Unheungsa measures five kan (traditional structural units) across the front and three kan along the sides. Its front facade is slightly wider than those of other central Buddhist halls built at temples following the Japanese invasions.

An official from the Korea Heritage Service noted that the building retains well-preserved dancheong, or traditional multicolored decorative painting, dating from repairs and reconstruction carried out in the 17th and 18th centuries, offering insight into changes in painting styles over time.

Geodongsa Temple is also believed to have been founded by monk Uisang.

The temple is also known as the birthplace of the Sannam Uijin, a volunteer army unit organized in Yeongcheon in 1906 that operated mainly across the Yeongnam region, including Daegu and Hyeonpung.

The Daewoongjeon hall at Geodongsa measures three kan across the front and three kan along the sides. It is recognized for showcasing the architectural characteristics and historical value of 17th-century Buddhist temples in the Yeongnam region.

Notable features include the decorative treatment of tall interior pillars, which are adorned with carvings of dragon heads and elephant motifs and embellished with dancheong painting.

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