North Stupa of Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon

A seungtap is a monument symbolising a monk's grave, in which the monk's remains or relics were enshrined. This stupa stands about 400m north of the centre of Seonamsa Temple, at a quiet hillside hermitage called Seonjoam. The tower body rests on a pedestal of three tiers of stone, with every part formed in an octagonal shape. On the pedestal, the lower base is carved with lions and cloud patterns, the middle base is lightly carved with ansang (niche-shaped motifs), and the upper base bears eight large lotus petals. The body of the tower has pillar-shaped carvings at its corners, door-panel motifs with locks carved on the front and back faces, and figures of Vajra guardians placed on either side at the front. The plain-looking roof stone has large flower ornaments rising at each of its eight corners. At the top, the finial retains a wheel-shaped ornament and a jewel-shaped ornament resembling a lotus bud. Judging from the style and technique of its carvings — lions, clouds, lotus flowers and Vajra guardians — this stupa is presumed to date from the early Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물