Stupa at Gulsansa Temple Site, Gangneung

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.85

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

강릉시, 강원특별자치도— 강원 강릉시 구정면 학산리 731번지

Coordinates

37.707740, 128.887123

This stupa was erected to contain the sarira of National Preceptor Beomil, the founder of Gulsansa Temple, during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is located to the north of the temple site. In general, it follows the prescribed style of octagonal stupas. It consists of three parts: the body containing the sarira, the foundation, and the finial with a roof stone. The finial comprises the finial base and cover stone, and a large spherical ornament resembling a lotus bud. The plate-shaped supporting stone is placed on an octagonal ground stone made from a single piece of stone. The round supporting stone with a two-layered base stone is carved with cloud patterns. The eight sides, divided by eight pillars on the middle supporting stone, are carved with celestial figures playing different instruments, including janggu (double-headed drum), xun (Chinese globular vessel flute), dongbal (Korean cymbals), bipa (Korean lute), so (flute), saenghwang (reed instrument), gonghu (harp), jeok (large bamboo flute). The top supporting stone is engraved with patterns of lotus flowers in full bloom. The main body of the octagonal stupa is composed of a core stone and a roof stone. The core stone for the main body is not very high and the roof stone is rather slanted. The line of the roof is clear but the eaves are flat and do not turn upwards. The roof stone is rather thick compared with the low, small body, giving it a heavy appearance.

Location