Stupa at Yongamsa Temple Site, Jinju

A stupa is a structure built to enshrine the relics or cremated remains of a Buddhist monk.

This octagonal stupa was found collapsed at Yongamsa Temple Site and was reassembled in 1962. It is unknown to which monk the stupa belongs, but it is presumed to date to the early period of the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392).

It is composed of a two-tiered base, a body stone, a roof stone, and a decorative top. The upper tier of the base and the body stone were newly made. Each side of the lower tier of the base are engraved with cloud designs and guardian deities who protect the Buddha and his teachings. Each corner of the roof stone is carved with flower decorations. The jewel-shaped decoration of the decorative top, shaped like a jewel enveloped in flames, is in fairly good condition.

Yongamsa Temple is said to have been founded by State Preceptor Doseon (827-898), a monk of the Unified Silla period (668-935). It was such a large temple that it operated with the support of the royal family until the end of the Goryeo dynasty. It is presumed to have been used at least until the late 16th century, and it is unknown when or under what circumstances it was closed. In the vicinity of this stupa, there are the remaining parts of stone Buddhist statues, stone lanterns, and stone pagodas.

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