West Five-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye

In the courtyard in front of Daeungjeon Hall, there are two five-story stone pagodas made for enshrining the relics or remains of the Buddha. The two pagodas are presumed to have been made in the 9th century. They are similar in size and shape, but the east pagoda is simple without decoration, while the west pagoda features ornate carvings.

The west pagoda is composed of a two-tiered base, five sets of body and roof stones, and a round decorative top. The two-tiered base represents non-duality, the fact that things are not in any relation of discrimination or opposition. Each side of the first tier of the base is carved with three of the 12 zodiac animals, while each side of the second tier of the base is carved with two of the Eight Legions. Each side of the first-story body stone is carved with one of the Four Guardian Kings. The various deities carved on the base and body stones are considered to be guardian deities protecting the Buddha’s teachings, his disciples, and the relics enshrined inside the pagoda. Therefore, this pagoda is also called Onghotap, meaning “the protected pagoda.”

A survey of the pagoda, in 1995, resulted in the discovery of 72 Buddhism relics in 16 categories, including: 22 Buddhist sariras.

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