Three-story Stone Pagoda at Baekjangam Hermitage of Silsangsa Temple, Namwon

Basic information

Designation

National Treasure No.10

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대 9세기

Designated year

1962

Location

남원시, 전북특별자치도— 전라북도 남원시 산내면 대정리 975

Coordinates

35.442539, 127.619972

This three-story stone pagoda is situated on a stretch of arable land below Baekjangam, a small hermitage located some distance to the north of Silsangsa Temple, which was built by Hongcheok, a Buddhist monk, in 828 (the 3rd year of the reign of King Heungdeok of Unified Silla) to the west of Cheonwangbong Peak in Jirisan Mountain. Erected on a low platform, the pagoda has a unique structure and exhibits a kind of decorative variation characterized by unique styles and skills. Generally speaking, pagodas taper towards the top, but this pagoda maintains a consistent width and height at each floor. The roofstone also differs markedly from the usual style of the period in that it is a single roofstone without making multiple stories. Another atypical characteristic of this pagoda is that it displays diverse carvings from the platform to the roofstone. The platform and support of the body are decoratively carved with railings; the first floor of the body, with a Bodhisattva and divine guardians; the second floor, with Apsaras playing a musical instrument; and the third floor, with seated Apsaras. Lotus flower designs are carved at the bottom of the roofstone, while Buddha triad is only on the roof support of the third floor. The pagoda is notable for the exquisite images carved on its surface, and its free structure, which eschews formality as a whole. It is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful stone pagodas of the late Unified Silla Period.

Location