Dancheong Introduction One of the most recognizable features that distinguishes Korean Buddhist temples from a Japanese or Chinese Buddhist temple are the elaborate colours and motifs. Korean Buddhist temples are decoratively painted in a myriad of colours that include reds, blues, greens, yellows, blacks, and whites. So why exactly are they adorning Korean Buddhist shrine halls, and what do they all mean? History of Dancheong The oldest surviving example of dancheong in Korea dates back to murals found in the tombs of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 B.C. – 668 A.D.). The dancheong design inside this tomb portrays the life of the tomb’s occupant. It also conveys wishes for their continued…