Tortoise-shaped Pedestal at Yeongamsa Temple Site, Hapcheon

These two tortoise-shaped pedestals were made to support stone steles. They are situated to each side of the West Building Site of Yeongamsa Temple Site. The body and capstones no longer remain, and without any inscriptions, it is unknown why or for whom the steles were erected. Both pedestals are presumed to date to the turn of the Unified Silla (668-935) and Goryeo (918-1392) periods, with the east pedestal being slightly older.

The tortoise of the east pedestal is missing its forelegs. It is depicted with a wish-fulfilling jewel in its mouth. Its back is engraved with hexagonal shell patterns and cloud designs. In the center of the back is a rectangular platform engraved with scroll and fish designs into which the stele would have been inserted.

The west pedestal is smaller than the east pedestal. It, too, has a wish-fulfilling jewel in its mouth. Its back is engraved with hexagonal shell patterns, and the rectangular platform for inserting the stele is engraved with lotus designs.

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