Stupa of Gapsa Temple, Gongju

This stupa, which had fallen and lain on Gyeryongsan Mountain behind Gapsa Temple, was moved and re-erected in front of Daejeokjeon Hall in 1917. It is entirely octagonal in plan, with a three-story body and roof stones set on a three-tiered platform. Raised on a tall base stone, the platform is divided into lower, middle and upper sections; unusually, the lowest tier is wide and each successive tier narrows going upward. The lower section is boldly carved with lions, clouds and dragons; the middle section, nearly circular, has flower-shaped ornaments projecting at each corner, with carvings of celestial musicians between them. The thick upper section, which supports the body of the stupa, is carved all around with lotus flowers. On four sides of the body stone, doors fitted with locks are carved, and on the other four sides standing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings are carved in relief. The roof stones intricately imitate the form of a real roof, even rendering the ridges of the tiles. The finial ornaments have all been lost, and a boju (a lotus-bud-shaped ornament) added later now sits on top. Overall the carving is vigorous and grand, but the technique weakens toward the upper parts; in particular the roof stones have become excessively small, so that the whole loses stability and balance. The carving of the platform clearly displays the characteristics of the Goryeo period, and the range of patterns and techniques carved throughout are considered among the finest of Goryeo-period stupas.

AI Translation

Visiting

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Individuals - Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won<br> Groups - Adults 2,500 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 500 won<br><br> * Groups - 30 people or more

Parking

Available (Paid parking lot)

Information

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 <br> (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)<br> • For more info: +82-41-857-8981

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Gongju, Chungnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물