This study examines the Banja Dancheong style of traditional Korean architecture, with a particular emphasis on the lotus pattern found among the Woomul Banja ceiling patterns. The genesis of Korean ceiling decoration motifs can be traced back to the Goguryeo mural tombs of the mid-4th century. The oldest known examples of Banja Dancheong styles in Korean traditional architecture are Beomja lotus pattern decorated in well-shaped Banja of the Daeungjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple in Andong (1435), the Geungnakbojeon Hall of Muwisa Temple in Gangjin (1430) and the Guksajeon Hall of Songgwangsa Temple (15th century). This Beomja lotus pattern, adorned with the ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ mantra, emerges as an almost definitive example. Therefore, it is evident that this decorative element stands as a quintessential exemplar of the early style among well-shaped Banja decorations in Korean temple architecture. The Ohwayeonhwadangcho pattern, encapsulating the essence of the lotus motif, is a Dancheong pattern with a lineage that stretches back to the early Joseon Dynasty, where it was initially employed in the Banja wells. This pattern exhibits design characteristics that are perfectly suited to the square Banja wells. The lotus pattern, thus, has been extensively utilized as a decorative motif in palaces, temples, and Confucian architectural structures, evolving continuously from Korea’s Goguryeo period Dancheong patterns to the present day.

Korean architecture classifies Banja (the decorated flat of the ceiling visible from the inside) of Royal Palaces into two types: Woomul(water-well, 井) banja, which inserts rectangular wooden board into lattice frame, and paper banja, which applies paper to the flat ceiling. Such classification was established in the 19th century. Before that, Banja was classified according to what was inserted into the lattice frame, either wooden or paper board. At first, the banja that used paper board was widely installed regardless of the purpose or nobility of the building. However, since the 17th century, the use of paper board banja became mostly restricted to Ondol (Korean floor heating system) rooms which are characterized by private usage and the importance of heating, and it was considered inferior to wooden board banja in terms of rank or grace. The contemporary paper banja was mainly installed in low-rank ondol rooms until the late 19th century to early 20th century, when roll-type wallpaper was introduced from the West and the paper banja came to decorate the King’s and Queen’s bedrooms. The traditional paper board banja benefits heat reservation, reduces the weight of the ceiling, and allows the adjustment of the lattice frame size. Furthermore, it can feature unique artistry if covered with blue, white, or red Neung-hwa-ji (traditional flower pattered paper).