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Three-story Stone Pagoda of Beopgyesa Temple, Sancheong

산청 법계사 삼층석탑 ( 山淸 法界寺 三層石塔 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Three-story Stone Pagoda of Beopgyesa Temple, Sancheong
Quantity 1 stone pagoda
Designated Date 1968.12.19
Age Goryeo
Address Beopgyesa Temple 320-292, Jirisan-daero, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

This three-story pagoda standing on a platform of natural rock is situated to the left of the sanctum of Beopgyesa Temple*. Each core stone and roof stone is hewn from a single stone each, and every corner of the core stones is carved with a pillar pattern. Each roof stone is rather thick and has a three-tiered cornice under it. There is a cannonball-shaped stone laid on the ornamental top, but it seems to have been added later. Using natural rock as the platform of the pagoda was popular after the Silla Dynasty. The platform of this pagoda, in particular, is much simpler than those of other pagodas. Because of the simple and rustic style of construction, which is at odds with the typical style of the Silla’s stone pagodas, it is believed to have been built during the early Goryeo Dynasty. *Beopgyesa Temple, located on the eastern mountainside of Cheonwangbong Peak of Jirisan Mountain, is said to have been built by a monk, Yeongi in 544, the 5th year of the reign of King Jinheung of the Silla Dynasty. It is located at 1400 meters, the highest altitude among the temples in Korea. It was severely damaged during the Korean War (1950-1953), but when the Buddhist sanctum was newly constructed, it regained its proper appearance as a temple.