Three-story Stone Pagoda in Hwadal-ri, Sangju

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 9th century during the Unified Silla period (668-935).

It consists of a base and three sets of body and roof stones. Its decorative top is missing. The corners and sides of the base are carved to look like pillars, as are the corners of the body stones. The undersides of the roof stones are carved into five tiers to resemble eaves, and the corners of the roof stones curve slightly upward giving a feeling of liveliness.

In front of one side of the first-story body stone, there is a statue of a buddha that is missing its head, but it is unknown when it was first placed there and how it is related to the pagoda.

It is presumed that a Buddhist temple was once located in the area, but nothing is known of its name or history.

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