Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bongamsa Temple, Mungyeong

This is a three-story stone pagoda standing within the grounds of Bongamsa Temple. A pagoda is composed of a base, corresponding to the foundation stones of a building; a body, forming the centre of the pagoda; and a finial at the top. Whereas the base of a typical Unified Silla stone pagoda has two tiers, the base of this pagoda, as it now appears above ground, has only one. One unusual feature is that beneath the supporting stone that meets the ground there is a further supporting stone, raising the possibility that this is in fact a lower base tier, though it appears too wide for that to be the case. Another distinctive feature is that the finial survives completely intact, making this a valuable example that serves as a benchmark for Korean stone pagodas. The finial derives from the stupas of India, the miniaturised form of the Indian stupa having been adapted for the head ornament of Korean pagodas; positioned at the very top of the pagoda, it is composed of several elements stacked in sequence and is the most highly decorated part of the whole structure. This pagoda, thought to have been erected in the ninth century during the reign of King Heondeok of Unified Silla (r. 809–826), is notable for the unusual structure of its base and for the pleasing proportion and balance between the stories of its body.

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Where it is

Region

Mungyeong, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물