Three-story Stone Pagoda of Jibosa Temple, Gunwi

A pagoda is a symbolic monument enshrining the relics or remains of the Buddha. Although not ali 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 built during the early period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). Originally, it was located in a temple named Geungnaksa on the opposite side of the nearby mountain, but since that temple no longer remains, it was first moved to downtown Gunwi, and then moved again to Jibosa Temple.

The pagoda is composed of a two-tiered base, three sets of body and roof stones, and the remaining part of a decorative top. The center and corners of each side of the base were carved to look like pillars. The first tier is engraved with images of animals that are presumed to be lions, while the second tier is engraved with images of guardian deities who protect the universal truth proclaimed by the Buddha. Between the base and first-story body stone is a support stone engraved with lotus flower designs. The first-story body stone has an image of a square door carved on each side to symbolize that it contains the relics or remains of the Buddha. The undersides of the roof stones are carved into four tiers.

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