Stupa of Seongnamsa Temple, Ulju

This temple is presumed to have been first built by State Preceptor Doui in 824 (the 16th year of the reign of King Heondeok of Silla). The 3.53m-high stone stupa with an octagonal roof is considered to keep the sariras of State Preceptor Doui. When it was disassembled for repairs in May 1962, the existence of a rectangular sarira hole was confirmed in the upper-central part of the middle base stone of the stylobate. The bottom stone of the stylobate features patterns of lions and clouds, while a string of decorative floral patterns is inscribed in the window-like, symbolic images of the elephant eyes on its middle stone of the stylobate. An image of the heavenly guardians is inscribed on the body stone right above the octagonal lotus-patterned bottom stone. This exquisitely carved stupa displays the typical patterns of stupas dating from the end of the Unified Silla Period (668 - 935).

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