This five-story stone pagoda located at a temple site in Nawon-ri, Gyeongju is the largest of the extant stone pagodas in Gyeongju after the East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Gameunsa Temple Site (National Treasure No. 112) and the Three-story Stone Pagoda from Goseonsa Temple Site (National Treasure No. 38). Having retained its pure white color for over one millennium, it is also known as Nawon Baektap, meaning “White Pagoda in Nawon-ri.”
The well-proportioned parts of the pagoda, which consists of a five-story body on a two-story platform, form a perfect harmony with the white granite, giving it a new and fresh appearance. The main characteristic of the pagoda is that the whole pagoda is made of a single stone – except for the upper and lower platforms, the one-story pagoda body, and the first and second roof stones. The upper and lower platforms and the main body of the pagoda are adorned with pillar-shaped carvings. The four corners of the roof stone are sharp and their ends are slightly raised, giving the pagoda a light appearance. The roof supports consist of five layers. Only the broken finial pole and the base of the pagoda finial are left on the top.
Presumed to have been built in the 8th century, five-story stone pagodas such as this one are rarely seen in the Gyeongju area. The pagoda is a beautifully proportioned structure that exudes dignity in harmony with the freshness of pure white granite.