Cho Amsa-dong Stupa

A stupa is a structure symbolising the tomb of a Buddhist monk, in which the monk's remains or relics (sarira) are enshrined; the identity of the monk honoured by this stupa at Choamsa Temple is not yet known. Choamsa is a small temple at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain, said to have been founded by the eminent monk Uisang; it is also said to be the site where Uisang built and lived in a thatched hut while searching for the location that would become Buseoksa Temple. The stupa's body is raised on a base formed of three tiers — lower, middle and upper — each part octagonal in plan except for the base slab. The base slab bears a niche-like ansang motif carved on each face. The lower base stone is carved with lotus patterns on each of its eight sides, its upper surface bearing three tiers of moulding to support the stone above. The middle base stone has a pillar shape carved at each of its eight corners, and the round, broad upper base stone is bordered with a lotus pattern. On the body of the stupa, door-shaped panels are carved on four of its eight faces, each with a lock carved in relief within it. Along the edges of the roof stone's sloping surfaces, lines are carved, and its upper surface is bordered with carved lotus petals. At present the body stone and the middle base stone have been switched with each other, and the upper base stone is also upside down. Judging from the stylised lotus patterns on the base, the tall middle base stone, and the form of the body, the stupa is presumed to date from the Goryeo period.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Yeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산