Three-story Stone Pagoda in Bonggi-ri, Cheongdo

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 in Bonggi-ri is presumed to date to the mid-8th century. It is located at what is said to be the site of Cheonjeongsa Temple, founded in the Silla period (57 BCE-935 CE). According to historical records published circa 1900, the pagoda was originally one of a pair of east and west pagodas, but the east pagoda collapsed in the mid-20th century, leaving only this, the west pagoda.

The pagoda, measuring 5.47 m in height, consists of a two-tier base and three sets of body and roof stones. It is missing a decorative top. The corners and sides of the base are carved to look like pillars, as are the corners of the body stones. Each body and roof stone is made of a separate piece of stone. The first-story body stone is taller compared to the upper two body stones. The roof stones are relatively wide and flat, with level eaves.

In front of the stone pagoda is the lotus-shaped pedestal of a stone lantern, which was moved here from elsewhere in the village.

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