Lion Pagoda at Wontongjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye

This stone structure is presumed to have been made around the 9th century during the Unified Silla period (668-935). The function of this structure remains unknown. Some believe it is a pagoda that contains the Buddha’s relics, and some say it was used as an altar for offerings.

It consists of a two-tiered base, a single rectangular body stone, and the remains of a decorative top. The four lion figures supporting the body stone are an imitation of the Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda (National Treasure) located on the hill behind Gakhwangjeon Hall.

This structure is also called Gamnotap, meaning “pagoda of the sweet dew,” which symbolizes the teachings of the Buddha. In Buddhism, a lion is a spiritual being that protects the Buddhist doctrine. Likewise, the teaching of the Buddha is also compared to a lion’s roar, because the Buddha’s word has power similar to that of a lion that rules over the animal kingdom.

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