Three-story Stone Pagoda in Hwacheon-ri, Yeongyang

This is a typical stone pagoda of the Unified Silla period, with a three-storey body raised on a two-tiered platform. On the lower platform, images of the twelve zodiac spirits are carved in relief, three to a side, each shown seated and holding a weapon. On the upper platform, pillar-shaped carvings mark the corners and centre of each side, and within the eight sections thus divided, images of the Eight Guardian Deities (palbujungsang) are carved. The body of the pagoda, with the main body stone and roof stone of each storey formed from a single block, has pillar-shaped carvings at each corner of the body stones. On the first-storey body stone, one image of each of the Four Heavenly Kings is carved distinctly on each of the four sides, shown treading on evil spirits in a manner typical of the Unified Silla period. The roof stones have thin, flat undersides with four steps of eaves-supports each, and the underside of the eaves is horizontal. Having been on the verge of collapse, the pagoda was repaired in 1974 and has stood in its present form since, though the main body stones of the first and third storeys are badly damaged, to the regret of those who see it. From the platform up to the body, the surface bears extensive carving, making this a highly ornate and decorative stone pagoda, believed to have been built around the ninth century.

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Where it is

Region

Yeongyang, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물