Stupa at Seollimwon Temple Site, Yangyang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.447

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1966

Location

양양군, 강원특별자치도— 강원 양양군 서면 황이리 산89번지

Coordinates

37.944939, 128.516338

This stupa was restored in November 1965, having sustained serious damage during the Japanese occupation period. It is located at the former site of Seollimwon Temple, which was founded by monk Suneung, also known as the founder of Haeinsa Temple. In 1948, the discovery of a Buddhist temple bell of the Silla period inscribed with its year of production (804) shed light on the date of the temple’s foundation, too. Judging by the structure of the stylobate, the stupa must have been octagonal in shape, which was the typical style of stone stupas during the Silla Dynasty. The stylobate, which rests on the square foundation, consists of bottom, middle, and top layers of stones. The bottom layer is composed of two tiers and, in particular, the lower tier and the foundation are hewn from one piece of stone. The upper tier is engraved with large patterns of doubled-eight lotus petals on which the thick two-tiered supporting stones are placed. The middle layer of the stylobate is almost round and is splendidly carved in relief with dragon and cloud patterns. The top layer of the stylobate is engraved with a design of doubled-eight lotus petals similar to the pattern on the upper tier of the bottom layer. The stupa displays a stable appearance due to the finishing technique applied to the top and bottom layers of the stylobate. Judging from the accentuated bottom layer of the stylobate, the stupa marks a departure frmo the general octagonal style, and must have been built during the late Unified Silla Period. It is assumed that the stupa was erected in or around 886 (the first year of the reign of King Jeonggang of the Silla Dynasty) as the Stele for Master Honggak, which is also at the temple site, was erected in 886, making it likely that this stupa was erected for Master Honggak too.

Location