East and West Three-story Stone Pagodas at Wonwonsa Temple Site, Gyeongju

These two pagodas are presumed to have been built in mid-8th century during the Unified Silla period(668-935). It was a common practice during this period to place two stone pagodas, called the East Pagoda and the West Pagoda, in front of the main worship hall of the temple. These pagodas in front of the main worship hall of Wonwonsa Temple Site were found collapsed and were re-assembled in 1931.

The two pagodas are almost identical in size and shape, each consisting of a two-tiered base, three sets of body and roof stones, and part of a decorative top. These pagodas are known as the earliest extant examples of stone pagodas with relief carvings on the base. Each side of the base is carved with three of the 12 zodiac animals. They have heads of beasts, but their bodies have a human appearance, and they are depicted seated on a lotus flower with their hands clasped. Each side of the first-story body stone is carved in relief with one of the Four Guardian Kings, but these carvings are partially damaged.

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