East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas of Silsangsa Temple, Namwon

These are two pagodas standing to the east and west in the front courtyard of Bogwangjeon Hall, the main hall of Silsangsa Temple. Silsangsa was founded in 828, the third year of King Heungdeok of Unified Silla, by the monk Hongcheok. According to a legend based on feng shui geomancy, it was built in the belief that if a temple were not raised on this spot, the vital energy of the nation would flow away to Japan. The site is well known for its stone lantern, memorial pagoda, stele, budo and iron seated Buddha statue, in addition to the two three-storey stone pagodas. Each pagoda consists of a three-storey body set on a two-tier platform, and both the east and west pagodas are rare examples in which the finial, the ornamental crown at the top, survives almost intact. The body of each storey is made from a single stone for the body block and a single stone for the roof block, following the standard form of Unified Silla pagodas, and the corners of each storey's body block are carved to resemble pillars. The underside of the roof blocks is horizontal at the eaves, with four tiers of supporting blocks beneath, and the four corners curve up gently, giving a light and graceful effect. The finial in particular is well preserved in its original form, with each ornamental element still set in its proper sequence. The two pagodas are identical in scale and style, showing that they were built at the same time; although not a grand work, the well-ordered composition of the stonework marks it as an outstanding example of late Unified Silla craftsmanship.

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Where it is

Region

Namwon, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물