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Cylindrical Multi-story Stone Pagoda of Unjusa Temple, Hwasun

화순 운주사 원형 다층석탑 ( 和順 雲住寺 圓形 多層石塔 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Cylindrical Multi-story Stone Pagoda of Unjusa Temple, Hwasun
Quantity 1 stone pagoda
Designated Date 1984.11.30
Age Goryeo
Address 91-44, Cheontae-ro, Doam-myeon, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do

Unjusa Temple embodies the myth that State Preceptor Doseon built 1000 Buddhist statues and 1000 pagodas in Jeolla-do so that the ship of state, symbolizing this country, would not list to port. The monk viewed the land of this country as a ship and was worried that the ship would tip over because there are more mountains than flat land in the Honam area, which was considered as the centre of the ship. Currently, there are 18 pagodas and 70 Buddhist statues remaining in the temple. This is one of the pagodas, and it is situated in front of the Shrine of Stone Buddha at Unjusa Temple. It does not follow the usual form of stone pagoda in its composition and overall appearance, but rather it reflects local characteristics from the Goryeo. The stylobate consists of two stories of round base stone, a tall middle stone with ten facets, and the upper stone decorated with 16 lotus petals. The main part of the pagoda keeps the shape of circle at the body stone and roof stone. Each story has double lines along the side of the body stone. Although it exists now as a six story construction, the original seems to have had more stories. The composition and method of construction of the pagoda make it quite different from others, and reflect the special local characteristics that developed during the Goryeo period. The surface of the upper stylobate is smooth and even and the side round, while the bottom of the roof stone is smooth and even and the surface of it round, showing stability and harmony between the top and the bottom.