Three-story Stone Pagoda in Hwadal-ri, Sangju

This pagoda stands to the west of a site said to be the royal tomb of the ancient state of Sabeolguk. It is a work of the Unified Silla period, in the form of a three-storey body raised on a single-tier base. The body stones and roof stones of each storey are each carved from a single block; the first-storey body stone is unusually wide and large, so that it stands taller than the base itself. The roof stones covering each storey have straight eaves with a strong upward curve at the four corners, giving the whole pagoda a sense of vitality. No finial ornament survives. Overall the proportions are unbalanced, and part of the base has been damaged, giving the pagoda an unusual appearance. Interestingly, a headless stone seated Buddha rests against the first-storey body stone atop the base; although it appears to have no direct connection with the pagoda, it indicates that this was once the site of an old temple.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Sangju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물