Pohang 'Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda' to Become a Nationally Designated Cultural Heritage Treasure

A 11th-Century Early Goryeo Stone Pagoda with Clearly Verified Construction Date

Pohang City announced that the Cultural Heritage Administration (Administrator Choi Eungcheon) has issued a preliminary notice on the 13th to designate the "Pohang Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda" as a national cultural heritage "Treasure."

Five-Story Stone Pagoda of Bogyeongsa Temple in Pohang.

The "Pohang Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda" is located between the Jeokgwangjeon Hall and the Cheonwangmun Gate within Bogyeongsa Temple in Songra-myeon, Buk-gu, where the Jeokgwangjeon Hall has already been designated as a Treasure. According to the Naeyeonsan Bogyeongsa Geumdangtapgi, written in 1588, the pagoda was built in 1023 (the year of Gyehae, during the reign of King Hyeonjong of Goryeo).

There are historical records confirming the exact construction year of 1023, making this pagoda a standard for research on early Goryeo stone pagodas. The detailed carvings of the lock and door ring are significant examples that showcase the representative features of early Goryeo stone pagodas.

During the early Goryeo period, many multi-story pagodas with five or more stories were constructed. As Buddhism became more popularized, a wider range of patrons emerged, leading to the construction of pagodas nationwide.

In particular, the 11th century is noted for the uniqueness and diversity exclusive to Goryeo. Judging by the overall proportions of the Pohang Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda, the door decoration depicted on the first story, and the water-draining grooves under the roof stones, it is believed to have been built in the 11th century, as supported by historical records.

Bogyeongsa Temple in Pohang was founded by Monk Jimyeong in 625. Once the designation of the Five-story Stone Pagoda is officially announced, Bogyeongsa Temple will house a total of eight Treasures, including the Bogyeongsa Wonjin Guksa Stele and the Bogyeongsa Stupa.

The city plans to promote the eight Treasures of Bogyeongsa Temple, including the recently announced "Pohang Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda," in conjunction with the comprehensive maintenance plan for the nationally designated natural heritage site, "Pohang Bogyeongsa Naeyeonsan Waterfall," to enhance public viewing and utilization.

During the 30-day preliminary notice period, the Cultural Heritage Administration and Pohang City will collect opinions from local residents and relevant organizations. If no objections are raised, the "Pohang Bogyeongsa Five-story Stone Pagoda" will be officially designated as a national cultural heritage "Treasure" following the final review by the National Heritage Committee.