East Stupa of Seonamsa Temple, Suncheon

A stupa is a structure built to enshrine the relics or cremated remains of an eminent Buddhist accompanied by a stele that commemorates the monk's life and achievements. This stupa is characteristic of the early period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392), as seen in and overall form. It is unknown to whom the stupa belongs as its stele no longer remains. is Temple's three early Goryeo-period stupas, which are said to collectively help suppress the according to Korean feng shui principles.

The octagonal stupa consists of a three-tier base, a body stone, a roof stone, and a decorative top. The lower, middle, and upper tiers of the base are decorated with cloud, wave, and lotus designs, respective. The body stone, which narrows toward the top, is decorated with images of doors on the front and back and wrathful guarians on the sides. The front and back doors also feature images of a phoenix and a handle, respectively, Meanwhile, the roof stone is adorned with floral decorations on each of its corners.

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