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Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda in Gwaeseok-ri, Hongcheon

홍천 괘석리 사사자 삼층석탑 ( 洪川 掛石里 四獅子 三層石塔 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda in Gwaeseok-ri, Hongcheon
Quantity 1 stone pagoda
Designated Date 1971.07.07
Age Goryeo
Address Hongcheon-eup Office 151-7, Huimang-ri, Hongcheon-eup, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

This stone pagoda, located at the county office of Hongcheon, used to be in Gwaeseok-ri of Duchon-myeon. The original site at Gwaeseok-ri where a Buddhist temple is presumed to have once stood is today used as a farm field. A few roof tile shards still lie about in this place. The pagoda has three stories, mounted on a two-tier base with four seated stone lions. For this reason, the pagoda is referred to as the Four Lions Pagoda. The four sides of the base are sculpted with floral designs inside a beveled area, true to the prevailing Goryeo-period style. The stone lions each occupy one of the four corners of the pagoda, propping up with the wide stone slab above their head. A lotus pedestal is visible on the stone slab above the four lions and in the middle of the stone slab on which they are seated, indicating that a Buddha used to be ensconced there. The roof stones are separate from the rest of the pagoda and have three-tier beveled edges at their base. The roof stones are rather thin and plain in appearance, possibly due to the steep pitch. The four tips of the roofs are slightly turned up and pointed. The finial base is missing, with only the dew basin remaining. The stone pagoda has pieces broken off in various places with traces of erosion, but retains its original appearance overall. Based on the sculptural techniques used to create the beveled areas of the base, enclosing floral designs, stone lions, lotus pedestal and the three-tier bottom edges of the roof stones, this pagoda is strongly reminiscent of a Goryeo pagoda. Although significantly influenced by the Unified Silla style in terms of the overall design, this pagoda is likely to date from the mid-Goryeo period or later.