Two Goryeo Stone Pagodas in Seosan and Yecheon Elevated from Treasure to National Treasure

Built in the 10th?11th Centuries
Clearly Documented Construction Dates Serve as Chronological Benchmarks

Seosan Bowonsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda

Two stone pagodas from the Goryeo Dynasty will be elevated from the status of Treasure to National Treasure.

The National Heritage Administration announced on October 30 that it plans to designate the Seosan Bowonsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda and the Yecheon Gaesimsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda as National Treasures.

The construction dates of these two stone pagodas are relatively well documented, making them key references for studying the stylistic changes of early Goryeo stone pagodas. For most stone pagodas, the exact date of construction is unknown and must be estimated through stylistic comparison. However, when a pagoda with a clearly known construction date exists, it serves as a benchmark for dating other pagodas. In stone pagoda research, this is called the "chronological standard."

Although there is no exact construction record for the Bowonsaji pagoda, it is estimated to have been built in the mid-10th century. An inscription on the Bowonsaji Beopin Guksa Stele states that Beopin Guksa Tanmun (900-974) created a Buddhist pagoda and statue in the spring for King Gwangjong. Considering the period during which Tanmun lived and the sculptural style, the pagoda is believed to date to the mid-10th century.

The pagoda features a five-story body atop a two-tiered base. The lower base is carved with lion statues of varying forms, while the upper base features Buddhist guardian deities. While inheriting the sculpting techniques of Unified Silla, it also displays unique Goryeo stylistic elements. The body of the pagoda tapers as it rises, creating a sense of stability. The roof section is lower and wider compared to Unified Silla stone pagodas, reflecting the stylistic transition of early Goryeo.

Yecheon Gaesimsaji Five-Story Stone Pagoda

The Gaesimsaji pagoda was completed in the second year of King Hyeonjong of Goryeo (1011). An inscription of 190 characters carved on the pagoda states that construction began in 1010, with the combined efforts of 1,000 oxen and 10,000 monks and laypeople, supervised by about 50 overseers, and was completed on April 8 of the following year. It is a rare example where the construction process can be known in such detail.

On each side of the lower base, three curved patterns are carved, within which the Twelve Zodiac Guardian Deities are depicted. The upper base features Buddhist guardian deities, and the first story of the pagoda body displays Vajra Warriors who protect the temple. The arrangement of the Twelve Zodiac Guardian Deities, Buddhist guardian deities, and Vajra Warriors in sequence expresses the Buddhist worldview-a structure rarely found in other stone pagodas.

The National Heritage Administration stated, "The clear construction dates of these two pagodas make them benchmarks for the chronology of Goryeo stone pagodas and illustrate the relationship between the Goryeo royal family and Buddhism. With their significant historical, artistic, and academic value, the pagodas are planned to be designated as National Treasures."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.