Three-story Stone Pagoda in Hwacheon-ri, Yeongyang

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.609

Category

Sites & Pagodas

Era

신라시대

Designated year

1977

Location

영양군, 경상북도— 경북 영양군 영양읍 화천리 835번지

Coordinates

36.647012, 129.170238

This stone pagoda, comprised of three main levels mounted on a two-tier base, is in the classical Unified Silla style. The lower tier of the base is sculpted with the twelve zodiac figures in embossed bas-relief, three on each later side. The zodiac animals are represented in a seated position, all of them holding a weapon in one hand. The upper tier has its lateral sides divided by a pillar-like design into eight areas, and bas-reliefs of the Eight Deities are placed inside them. The body and the roof at each of the three stories were carved out of separate stone blocks. A pillar-shaped design is added to each of the four corner edges of the body of the pagoda. On the four sides of the body, the Four Guardian Kings are represented in a deep bas-relief. The Four Guardian Kings are shown crushing a demon with a foot, as they are customarily represented during the Unified Silla Period. The roof base is quite shallow and has a moulding that consists of only four tiers. The roof is low-pitched, and the undersides of the eaves are almost flat, without any curve. The pagoda was repaired in 1974 when it was on the brink of collapsing. The body stones at the first and third levels are unfortunately damaged extensively. This sumptuous and highly ornate stone pagoda, lavishly decorated with bas-reliefs both at the base and the body, is dated to circa 9th century.

Location