🏯 Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 20
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
(경주 불국사 다보탑 · 慶州 佛國寺 多寶塔)
📖 1. History and Description
The Dabotap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple, located in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is designated as National Treasure No. 20 of Korea.
Constructed in the 8th century during the Unified Silla period, this pagoda stands as one of the most celebrated masterpieces of ancient Korean stone architecture. It was built within the Bulguksa Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Korea’s most revered Buddhist temples.
The name Dabotap (多寶塔) means “Pagoda of Many Treasures”, inspired by the Lotus Sutra, where Prabhutaratna (Dabo) Buddha emerges from the ground to witness Shakyamuni Buddha’s sermon. This symbolizes the manifestation of truth and the coexistence of all Buddhas across time and space.
Unlike traditional pagodas of simple design, Dabotap exhibits extraordinary structural complexity and artistic detail. The pagoda rises from a three-tiered base, with an intricate arrangement of stairways, balustrades, and ornamental columns that form a perfect geometric harmony. The upper structure’s elaborate stone railings and lotus-shaped finial showcase the pinnacle of Silla craftsmanship.
Standing about 10.4 meters tall, Dabotap embodies the ideal unity of engineering, spirituality, and artistic imagination. Its symmetrical yet ornate form contrasts beautifully with the simplicity of its twin, Seokgatap Pagoda, also located within Bulguksa Temple. Together, they symbolize the dual nature of enlightenment—simplicity and complexity, form and emptiness.
🪄 2. Significance
- Architectural Value: A pinnacle of Silla stone architecture, demonstrating both technical mastery and refined aesthetic balance.
- Symbolic Importance: Represents the Buddhist concept of infinite truth and coexistence, as described in the Lotus Sutra.
- Cultural Legacy: As one of Korea’s most iconic cultural symbols, Dabotap continues to inspire harmony, devotion, and timeless beauty.
🌸 3. A Warm Thought
Dabotap stands gracefully beneath the Gyeongju sky, reminding us that beauty is not merely built—it is revealed when human devotion meets divine truth.
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal.