Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 39
Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Five-story Stone Pagoda of Nawon-ri, Gyeongju
(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
🏯 1. A Tower of Poised Harmony
In the peaceful countryside of Nawon-ri, Gyeongju, stands a majestic relic of the Unified Silla period (8th century) — the Five-story Stone Pagoda, a symbol of balance, grace, and enduring devotion.
Once part of a temple complex long lost to time, this pagoda remains as a solitary guardian of the past, its form serene and dignified.
It represents not only the aesthetic refinement of Silla’s stone architecture but also the calm faith that shaped an age of enlightenment.
🪨 2. Structure and Artistic Perfection
The pagoda stands upon a two-tiered foundation, supporting five diminishing stories that rise with perfect symmetry.
Each story is composed of finely dressed granite blocks, their proportions so precise that the tower appears both strong and weightless.
The roof stones are elegantly curved, their eaves thin and sharply defined, giving the pagoda a rhythmic upward flow.
Delicate carvings of lotus petals and subtle moldings decorate the base, expressing the Buddhist ideals of purity and transcendence.
The five tiers are said to symbolize the Five Wisdom Buddhas, embodying different aspects of enlightenment — unity, insight, compassion, reflection, and action.
🌄 3. The Spiritual Meaning of Elevation
In Buddhist philosophy, the upward progression of a pagoda mirrors the journey of the mind toward awakening.
The Five-story Pagoda of Nawon-ri captures this journey in perfect form: solid foundation, measured ascent, and quiet culmination in the heavens.
Though built of cold stone, the tower exudes warmth — a sense of human aspiration carved into the eternal.
Each tier lifts the heart as much as the eye, reminding us that spiritual growth is achieved one mindful step at a time.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
Despite centuries of weather and history, the Five-story Stone Pagoda of Nawon-ri remains remarkably intact.
Its elegant proportions and refined geometry mark it as one of the most complete examples of Silla’s mature pagoda design.
Designated National Treasure No. 39, it continues to be revered not only for its artistic beauty but also for its philosophical harmony.
The pagoda stands today as a silent teacher — showing that strength can be gentle, and permanence can be graceful.
As the sunlight fades over Gyeongju’s plains, its stone surface glows softly,
whispering of an age when art and faith were one.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“This pagoda stands not to defy time,
but to dwell within it —
reminding us that true enlightenment
is the stillness found between strength and grace.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal