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Three-story Stone Pagoda of Pyochungsa Temple, Miryang

밀양 표충사 삼층석탑 ( 密陽 表忠寺 三層石塔 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Three-story Stone Pagoda of Pyochungsa Temple, Miryang
Quantity 1 stone pagoda
Designated Date 1968.12.19
Age Unified Silla
Address Pyochungsa Temple 1334-9, Pyochung-ro, Danjang-myeon, Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do

This three-story stone pagoda stands in front of Daehongwonjeon Hall at Pyochungsa Temple in Miryang City. In front of the pagoda is a stone lantern that seems to have been built at the same time as the pagoda, but it is presumed not to be the original location for both pagoda and lantern. The original name of Pyochungsa Temple is said to be Jungnimsa Temple, which was expanded for the second time and renamed Yeongjeongsa Temple later in 829 (the 4th year of the reign of King Heungdeok of the Silla Dynasty). In 1839 (the 5th year of the reign of King Heonjong of the Joseon Dynasty) when Pyochungsa Temple, situated in Muan-myeon, Miryang-gun, was moved to Yeongjeongsa Temple, the name Yeongjeongsa Temple was changed to Pyochungsa Temple, and the arrangements of the buildings including this pagoda might have been changed at that time. The corners and middle of every facet -- divided into two surfaces -- of the stylobate are engraved with pillar patterns. The main body consists of roof stones and core stones hewn from a single stone each. In particular, the core stone of the first story is too tall compared with the stylobate and is unadorned except the corners, which are engraved with pillar patterns. The core stones for the second and third stories considerably taper in size compared to the core stone of the first story. Therefore, the pillars carved on the corners for the core stones of the second and third stories are smaller. The roof stones have four-tier cornices, and the eaves are horizontal. The roof stones curve beautifully and swiftly upward at the four edges. The finial is placed on the upper part of the pagoda somewhat carelessly, and a 1m-high sharp iron stick is erected on top of the pagoda. This pagoda also has some irregularity such as the single-storied platform and too big first story of the main; it is basically in the style of the Silla Pagodas. Surprisingly, the finial is relatively well-preserved. Although the pagoda has an excessively large core stone on the first story, it was built in the typical style of the Silla period’s stone pagodas composed of single-layer stylobates. The finial of the pagoda is relatively well- preserved.