Three-story Stone Pagoda of Jungheungsanseong Fortress, Gwangyang

This is a three-story stone pagoda standing by a stream on the west side of Jungheungsanseong Fortress. Jungheungsanseong Fortress was once the site of Jungheungsa Temple, founded by the monk Doseon during the reign of King Gyeongmun of Silla, but it is said that during the Japanese invasions of 1592–98 the monk-soldiers were all killed in fierce fighting with Japanese troops and the temple burned down. This pagoda originally stood together with the Twin-Lion Stone Lantern of Jungheungsanseong Fortress, Gwangyang (National Treasure), but the lantern has since been moved to the Gwangju National Museum, leaving only the pagoda in place. The pagoda has a three-story body set on a two-tier platform. On the upper tier of the platform, thick corner pillars are carved. Each side is divided in two, with figures of Vajra guardians (Inwangsang) carved in relief on the front, the Four Heavenly Kings on the two sides, and bodhisattvas on the back. The pagoda body has one body stone and one roof stone at each level, with thick corner pillars carved on the body stone of each story. On each face of the first-story body stone is carved a seated Buddha figure (yeoraesang) on a lotus pedestal, and the body stones from the second story upward become considerably smaller. The underside of each roof stone has three tiers of eaves-supports, and the eaves run horizontally beneath them. At the top of the pagoda, only the base of the finial (noban) survives among the crowning ornaments, on top of which sits a jewel-shaped ornament (boju) resembling a lotus bud. This pagoda is especially notable for the richness of its carving in every part, all in good condition and with the carved figures still clear. Although the platform at the base tends to look overly large in relation to the pagoda body, it is a Unified Silla stone pagoda that conveys a strong sense of stability.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gwangyang, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물