Three-story Stone Pagoda of Donghwasa Temple, Suncheon

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 is presumed to have been made in the early period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). It consists of a two-tier base, three sets of body and roof stones, and a decorative top. The corners and sides of the base have been carved to look like pillars, as are the corners of the body stones. The eaves of the roof stones curve upward, while their undersides are carved into four tiers. Because its decorative top remains in a complete condition, the pagoda is of particular value in the study of Goryeo-period stone pagodas.

In 1989, when the stone pagoda was dismantled for repair, a celadon reliquary measuring 11.3 cm in height was discovered inside the pagoda. Found inside the reliquary were a gilt-bronze three-story pagoda, two green reliquaries, four crystal-like pieces of Buddhist remains, 33 jade Buddhist prayer beads, one amethyst, and two pearls.

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