East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Sudoam Hermitage of Cheongamsa Temple, Gimcheon

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.

The pair of three-story stone pagodas located in the main courtyard of Daejeokgwangjeon Hall at Sudoam Hermitage is presumed to date to 859 when the hermitage was founded by State Preceptor Doseon (827-898). The practice of enshrining a pair of pagodas in the courtyard of the main worship hall was a typical practice at Buddhist temples during the Unified Silla period (676-935). The east and west pagodas measure 3.76 m and 4.25 m in height, respectively.

Sudoam Hermitage is considered an auspicious site as its topography is said to resemble a heavenly maiden who has descended to earth to weave hemp cloth. These two pagodas are said to be the two pillars of her loom.

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