Three-story Stone Pagoda of Jungheungsanseong Fortress, Gwangyang

A pagoda is a symbolic monument enshrining the relics or remains of the Buddha. Although not all pagodas contain the true remains, they are nonetheless worshiped as sacred places that enshrine the Buddha.

This three-story stone pagoda of Jungheungsanseong Fortress is presumed to have been built in the 9th century during the Unified Silla period (668-935). This fortress is said to have been the site of a Buddhist temple named Jungheungsa that is said to have been founded by State Preceptor Doseon (827-898) and burned down during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598. In front of the pagoda, there was originally a stone lantern depicting twin lions (National Treasure), but it is currently kept at the Gwangju National Museum.

The pagoda consists of a two-tier base and three sets of body and roof stones. The corners and sides of the base are carved to look like pillars, as are the corners of the body stones. The upper tier of the base features carvings of wrathful guardians, ritual offerings, and the Four Guardian Kings between the carvings of pillars. Each side of the first-story body stone features a carving of the Buddha seated on a lotus-shaped pedestal to symbolize that the Buddha is present everywhere and in all directions. Only the Buddha to the north is standing, while the rest are seated. This type of architectural style where the base and the body stones of the pagoda are decorated with engravings emerged beginning in the late Unified Silla period. The undersides of the roof stones are carved into three tiers.

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