Stupa of Master Cheolgam at Ssangbongsa Temple, Hwasun

A Budo is a king of reliquary for preserving either the ashes or the saria of a dead monk. Rev. Cheolgam, born in the 14th year of King Weonseong(798), became a monk at the age of 18, and died in Ssangbong Temple in the 8th year of King Gyeongmun(868). This Budo, located in the north of the temple, is a representative one with an octagonal shape. It is one of the greatest masterpieces of the Silla Dynasty with wonderful carvings and decorations. Especially the carvings of lotus flowers in roof tiles manifest the religious piety of the sculptor. With manipulated wooden decorations, this Budo is considered the best stone structure. It is estimated that this Budo was erected in the 8th year of King Gyeongmun in the Silla Dynasty(868).

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08