:The following text and photographs are from 1999 "Buddhist Temples in DPRK" photo-essay from "The People's Korea" [http://www1.korea-np.co.jp/pk/103rd_issue/99071403.htm]
Taesongsankwangbop Temple
Known as the oldest temple in Pyongyang, Taesongsankwanbop Temple was built in 392 A.D. by Koguryo's 19th king Kwangedo.
Though completely destroyed by U.S. bombing during the 1950-53 Korean War, the temple was rebuilt in August 1990.
According to epitaphs inscribed on a couple of stone monuments, which survived the bombardment, the temple had been burnt down in 1700 but reconstructed in 1727.
With the "Gate of Emancipation" at its entrance, the temple has an "Octagonal Five-Story Pagoda" in its center yard.
Myohyangsan Pohyon Temple
Located near Mt. Myohang in North Pyongan Province, Myohyangsan Pohyon Temple was build in 1042 and was refurbished in 1765.
In its yard stands the Taeung Hall where the famous "Octagonal 13-Story Pagoda," the tallest multi-storied pagoda in the DPRK, is preserved.
The pagoda is 8.58 meters high and preserves an architectural style unique to the Koryo era in form, decoration and other respects.
The most attracting feature of the temple, however, is "Tripitaka Koreana," the world's oldest collection of Buddhist scriptures called "Palmantaejanggyong" in Korean.
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