Hexagonal Multi-story Stone Pagoda of Geumsansa Temple, Gimje

This pagoda originally stood at Bongcheonwon, a hermitage belonging to Geumsansa Temple, and was later moved to its present location to the left of Daejeokgwangjeon Hall. Whereas most Korean pagodas are square and made of light grey granite, this is a hexagonal, multi-story pagoda made of black-and-white slate. The foundation supporting the pagoda is decorated with lotus carvings above and below. The body of the pagoda originally had a body stone at every story, but today only the two uppermost stories survive. Pillar shapes are carved at each corner of the body stones, and on each face a circle is drawn with a seated Buddha image carved within it. The roof stones show a very gentle slope along the drip line before curving up gracefully at each corner underneath. The underside bears a support with a dragon and floral scroll pattern carved at its centre. Nothing of the original finial at the top survives, but a granite finial added later in replacement now sits in its place. The use of slate, a stone mainly used for making inkstones, gives the pagoda an unusual character, and the degree by which each story diminishes is gentle and delicate. Judging from the carving technique on the body and roof stones, the pagoda is presumed to have been built in the early Goryeo period.

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Where it is

Region

Gimje, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물