National Treasure "Wongaksa Site Ten-story Stone Pagoda" Reveals Its True Face...Special Opening from March 4 to 15

Online Reservations for Visits Open from the 23rd

The National Treasure "Wongaksa Site Ten-story Stone Pagoda" standing at the center of Tapgol Park in Seoul. Since a glass protective shelter was installed in 1999 to protect the stone pagoda from acid rain and bird droppings, citizens have only been able to view the pagoda through thick glass. That glass door will open for the first time in 27 years.

National Treasure "Wongaksa Site Ten-story Stone Pagoda" Reveals Its True Face...Special Opening from March 4 to 15

Scene from the pre-opening event held on the 20th. Courtesy of Jongno-gu.

The Jongno-gu District Office (headed by District Mayor Chung Moonhun) announced on the 23rd that the interior of the Wongaksa Site Ten-story Stone Pagoda in Tapgol Park will be opened to the public from March 4 to 15. This is effectively the first time that citizens will be able to approach right up to the stone pagoda.

Built in 1467 during the reign of King Sejo at the royal family’s behest, this stone pagoda is a rare heritage asset in that, unlike most stone pagodas in Korea that are made mainly of granite, it is constructed of marble. The elaborately carved Buddha and Bodhisattva figures and patterns on various parts of the pagoda body are regarded as the pinnacle of Buddhist art of the time. However, the glass protective shelter installed for preservation has made detailed viewing difficult due to light reflection, and it has been pointed out that condensation and poor ventilation could instead accelerate the physical deterioration of the pagoda.

Taking this opening as an opportunity, Jongno-gu plans to confront the limitations of the existing preservation method and, together with the National Heritage Administration, discuss effective preservation measures. On the 20th, a preview event was held on-site, attended by District Mayor Chung Moonhun, Lee Jongchan, Chairman of the Tapgol Park Sacred Area Promotion Committee, and the Vice President of Sungkyunkwan University, to carry out an inspection.

The guided explanations will be provided by the Sungkyunkwan University club "Historyjomile." This team has already proven its capabilities with a docent program that incorporates citizen-led tours from Dublin, Ireland, having won the "Sungkyunkwan University 2025 S-Global Challenger Grand Prize."

Visits can be reserved in advance from the 23rd through the Seoul Public Service Reservation website, and on-site registration will also be available for remaining slots. For inquiries, contact the Jongno-gu Cultural Heritage Division at 02-2148-2043.

This opening is also a symbolic starting point for the Tapgol Park improvement project currently being promoted by Jongno-gu. In November last year, the district designated the entire park area as an alcohol-free zone to resolve chronic problems of disruptive drinking, and it is also pushing forward step-by-step spatial improvements such as restoring the West Gate.

Jongno-gu District Mayor Chung Moonhun said, "This is a precious opportunity to fully return to citizens the true face of a National Treasure that has long been hidden behind glass, and a process of seeking a new path for cultural heritage preservation," adding, "We will restore the historical character of Tapgol Park and develop it into a leading historical and cultural space of Korea where all citizens can feel a sense of pride."