Stupa at Daegagam Hermitage of Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon

A stupa is a structure built to enshrine the relics or cremated remains of an eminent Buddhist monk. It is usually accompanied by a stele that commemorates the monk's life and achievements.

This stupa at Daegagam Hermitage is characteristic of the early period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), as seen in the floral, cloud, and lotus designs on the pedestal and the floral decorations at the corners of the roof stone. It is unknown for certain to whom the stupa belongs as its stele no longer remains, however it is said to belong to Monk Uicheon (i.e. State Preceptor Daegak, 1055-1101), whose portrait (Treasure) is enshrined at Seonamsa Temple. It is one of Seonamsa Temple's three early Goryeo-period stupas, which are said to collectively help suppress the energy of the terrain according to Korean feng shui principles.

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