This Study is concerned with the color design of Korean and Japanese wooden architecture. The main subject of the study is to investigate the commonness and difference of color decoration between Korean and Japanese Buddhist 'Danchung' in the modern ages. In carrying this study into execution, I examined the architectural and historical backgrounds, and analysed the elements, techniques and principles of color design. The result of this study is as follows ; 1. 'Danchung' was originated from the practical functions in Chinese wooden architecture, and developed to embody sensuous beauty in Buddhist temple. The techniques and principles of color design and color tone of Korean and japanese Danchung had been similar in the ancient ages. But little by little they have differed in its function and color tone. So they are very different in modern times. 2. The dominant colors of Korean Danchung are red and green as 'Sang-nok Ha-dan(上綠下丹)', but Japanese's is only red as 'Bak-gan Juk-sun(白間赤線)' 3. Korean Danchung expresses and accentuates the important structural elements in three dimensions, on the other hand japanese Danchung takes two dimensional decoration on the unstructural elements 4. When seen in general, in Korean Danchung colors and their light and shade are simple and patternized. In the meantime, Japanese Danchung has many configurational expressions in general and is closed to paintings or picture.

• 김정신(단국대학교 건축공학과) | Kim Jung-Shin (Dankook University)