Stupa at Manghaesa Temple Site, Ulju

A seungtap, or monk's stupa, symbolises a monk's grave, serving as a place to enshrine the monk's remains or sari (relics). These two stupas stand to the east and west, north of the main hall of Manghaesa Temple; the east stupa, having been damaged, was restored in November 1960. The two are identical in scale and style, with each part formed in an octagonal shape. The foundation platform supporting the pagoda body consists of three base stones. The lower base stone is octagonal, topped with a stone carved with a lotus design; the middle base stone rests on a tall octagonal tier, further supported by three low tiers stacked above it. The upper base stone has sixteen lotus petals carved in double layers on its sides, in a splendid design. The pagoda body has window shapes carved on each side, pillar-shaped carvings at the corners, and door-panel shapes carved on four of its sides. The roof stone has broad, horizontal eaves and hip rafters, with small holes at each corner where wind chimes were once hung. The finial ornaments at the top are missing from both stupas, though some fragments are kept separately. Dating from the Unified Silla period, this work has a somewhat modest overall composition and carving technique, but is a beautiful piece with pleasing proportions throughout.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Ulju, Ulsan

Designation

Treasure · 보물