Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bongamsa Temple, Mungyeong

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.169

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

문경시, 경상북도— 경상북도 문경시 원북길 313 (가은읍, 봉암사)

Coordinates

36.700096, 128.005251

The three-story stone pagoda at Bongamsa Temple is believed to have been erected in the ninth century during the reign of King Heondeok of the Unified Silla Dynasty. The pagoda consists of three parts - stylobate, main body, and finial. In general, stone pagodas built during the Unified Silla Period have a two-layered stylobate; however, this one has a single-layer stylobate. It is unusual in that it has a base stone below the stylobate which could be considered the bottom layer of the stylobate, although it is too wide for that purpose. Furthermore, as the finial is fully intact, it is a valuable example of a standard Korean stone pagoda. The finial appears to be inspired by Indian pagodas, as the top of the pagoda features a miniature Indian-style pagoda, which is the most decorative part of the pagoda. The other components of the finial are also nicely ordered and decorated. This three-story stone pagoda with its unique base is well-proportioned and well-balanced on the whole.

Location