Seven-story Stone Pagoda, Chuncheon

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.77

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

춘천시, 강원특별자치도— 강원도 춘천시 소양로2가 162-9

Coordinates

37.885560, 127.724237

Located in the center of Chuncheon city, this seven-story stone pagoda is thought to have belonged to Chungwonsa Temple, as there is a story in circulation that during the reign of King Injo (1623-49) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), an expelled local official named Yu Jeong-rip unearthed a vessel inscribed with the word "Chungwonsa" while leveling the ground near here to build a house. The pagoda is in poor condition as it was seriously damaged during the Korean War (1950-1953). However, the stylobate was rebuilt in its original form in 2000 during a restoration project. The results of excavation research on the lower part of the pagoda show that the pagoda originally consisted of a seven-story main body and a two-layer stylobate. The upper layer of the stylobate, which served as the base of the pagoda, is large enough to create an air of stability; and a broad stone engraved with lotus petal patterns is placed on the cover stone to support the core stone of the first story. The main body of the pagoda tapers upwards; and the roof stone slopes gently, and the four corners of its eaves turn sharply upwards. Even the core stones are much smaller than the large foundation; its height (seven stories) compensates for any disproportion and rather gives a sense of stability. Each of the first three stories has a six-stepped cornice under its roof stone, while the other stories have a five-stepped cornice. Unfortunately, the pagoda’s finial is missing, and the eaves need to be repaired. Overall, it appears to have been built in the mid-Goryeo Period (918-1392).

Location