Stupa of Buddhist Monk Wonjong at Godalsa Temple Site, Yeoju

Amid the many scattered stone remains within the extensive temple site, this stupa, together with its memorial stele, survives in an almost complete state. It consists of a three-tiered base surmounted by a body stone and a roof stone; overall it is based on an octagonal plan, but the base shows an unusual structure. The base's bottom stone is square and carved around its edge with lotus petals. The lower support stone is square in shape, and the octagonal plan first appears from the upper part of the middle support stone: a single band of octagonal form encircles the top, while the lower part is carved with clouds billowing up and down. Between these, a tortoise faces forward with its head turned to the right, and around it four dragons fly amid the clouds. The upper support stone is carved with lotus flowers. On the body stone, door shapes are carved on four faces, and standing figures of the Four Heavenly Kings are carved on the other four faces. The roof has eaves that are horizontal but curve upward at the corners, hung with flower ornaments. At the top sits a finial ornament resembling a miniature roof stone. That the stupa is based on an octagonal plan while its lower support stone is made square is a characteristic feature of its period. The carving of the middle support stone shows the technique of the Goryeo period most prominently, and the harmony among its various parts is elegant and splendid. Although the base appears slightly heavy, it shows good proportion overall. The subject of this stupa, State Preceptor Wonjong, was an eminent monk born in 869, the ninth year of King Gyeongmun of Unified Silla, and who passed away in 958, the ninth year of King Gwangjong of Goryeo. The inscription on the memorial stele for State Preceptor Wonjong shows that the stupa was erected before 977, the second year of King Gyeongjong of Goryeo.

AI Translation

Visiting

Opening hours

Open 24 hours

Admission

Free

Parking

Available

Information

+82-31-887-3561

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Yeoju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Treasure · 보물