Stele of Buddhist Monk Jinghyo at Heungnyeongsa Temple Site, Yeongwol

A stupa is a pagoda where ashes or remains of Buddhist saints are placed. This pagoda monument is dedicated to the Buddhist Saint Jinghyodaesa(826～900) and was built in 944. Jinghyodaesa was a disciple of the great Zen master Cheolgamseonsa, and he established the Sajasanmunpa sect, which was one of the nine major Buddhist sects of Gusanseonmun during the late Silla Kingdom period. As a monk, Jinghyodaesa was responsible for a great increase in Zen Buddhist writings.

The monument is typical of the late Silla Kingdom, early Goryeo Dynasty period. The prop stone has been carved in the style of a turtle. The head is that of a dragon with glaring eyes and a magic stone in its mouth, and the monument stands on the turtles back. The capstone on top of the monument has been carved with the images of dragons and the writing of Saint Jinghyodaesa.

The epitaph on the monument was composed by Choe Eonwi, written by Choe Yun, and carved by Choe Hwangyu. It comments on the works and life of Jinghyodaesa, and mentions that King Hyogong, of the Silla Kingdom period, gave him the posthumous name Saint Jinghyodaesa and the pagoda the name Boin. The overall feel of this monument is one of grandeur and delicacy.

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