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Entrance foyer
Facing each other across the entrance foyer are the P'albujang, or Eight Congregated Devas, four
each on the north and south walls. Beyond them one finds the two fearsome temple guards, the
Inwang Yoksa (Kumgang Yoksa), also facing each other across the foyer.
P'albusinjang (Eight Congregated Devas)
This first set of guardian deities, four each on the northern and southern walls, represents gods of
India who, hearing Buddha's teachings, decided to follow his path. They are depicted with various
poses and garments; some have weapons and some do not. Stylistic differences between these figures
and those of the inner chamber have led scholars to conclude that these were carved somewhat later
than the rest of the works that make up Sokkuram. The last pair of figures formerly faced inwards
towards the central Buddha statue, but during reconstruction they were moved to their present
locations, in line with the rest.
The Eight Guardian Deity stand guard in the rectangular antechamber. Symbols of the defense of
Buddhism, these figures are usually found at the entrances to temples or at the foot of pagodas.
Each guardian deities has his own personality. Some hold weapons, others jeweled chanting beads.
The dragons and lions carved on their heads represent of the unique qualities of each deity.
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