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National Treasure

Three-story Stone Pagoda from Goseonsa Temple Site, Gyeongju

경주 고선사지 삼층석탑 ( 慶州 高仙寺址 三層石塔 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification National Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Three-story Stone Pagoda from Goseonsa Temple Site, Gyeongju
Quantity 1 Pagoda
Designated Date 1962.12.20
Age Early Unified Silla
Address Gyeongju National Museum, 186, Iljeong-ro, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

This pagoda was discovered at the former site of Goseonsa Temple where Wonhyo, one of the greatest Buddhist monks, served as head monk. It was moved to its present location at the Gyeongju National Museum in 1975, as the area occupied by the Goseonsa Temple Site had to be flooded with water for the construction of Deokdong Dam. The pagoda consists of a three-story body mounted on a two-story platform - the prevalent style of the Unified Silla Period. The platform is made of several stones, and each of its sides is adorned with pillar-shaped carvings. The body is also made of several stones, although the third story of the main body is made of a single stone. Perhaps this was for making the space for the reliquaries that were found during the dismantling the stone pagoda prior to its reconstruction. The roof stone slopes gently toward the four corners, which are slightly raised, give the pagoda an appearance of lightness. The staircase-shaped support of the roof stone is made of five layers. The pagoda is presumed to have been built in the late 7th century, before the completion of typical styles in the stone pagodas of Unified Silla. This typical style can be also seen in the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Gameunsa Temple Site (National Treasure No. 112), and reached its artistic peak with the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple (National Treasure No. 21).