Bowonsaji and Gaesimsaji Five-Story Stone Pagodas
Two stone pagodas built during the Goryeo Dynasty will now be managed as National Treasures.
The Cultural Heritage Administration announced on the 19th that it has designated the Seosan Bowonsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda and the Yecheon Gaesimsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda as National Treasures. The agency explained that the construction dates of these pagodas are relatively well-documented, making them important benchmarks for the chronological classification of stone pagodas in Korea.
The Seosan Bowonsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda is believed to have been constructed in the mid-10th century. An inscription on the pagoda's stele records that when the Buddhist monk Tanmun (900-974) stayed at Bowonsa Temple, he created a pagoda and a Buddhist statue in the spring for King Gwangjong.
The lower base features a lion statue, while the upper base is adorned with reliefs of the Eight Guardian Deities. While inheriting the sculptural style of Unified Silla, it also exhibits characteristics unique to the Goryeo period. The pagoda has a five-story structure, with each tier becoming gradually smaller toward the top, giving it a stable appearance.
The Yecheon Gaesimsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda was erected in 1011, the second year of King Hyeonjong's reign. The 190-character inscription provides detailed information about its construction, stating that work began in 1010 and was completed on April 8 of the following year.
The lower base is decorated with statues of the Twelve Zodiac Guardians, while the upper base features carvings of the Eight Guardian Deities. The addition of Vajra Warriors to the first story of the pagoda body further distinguishes it with a level of originality rarely found in other stone pagodas.
The Cultural Heritage Administration stated, "We will cooperate with local governments and owners to ensure systematic preservation and management."
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