🪨 Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 21
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Seokgatap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju
(경주 불국사 삼층석탑 · 慶州 佛國寺 三層石塔)
📖 1. History and Description
The Seokgatap Pagoda of Bulguksa Temple, located in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is designated as National Treasure No. 21 of Korea.
Built in the 8th century during the Unified Silla period, this pagoda stands beside Dabotap Pagoda within the Bulguksa Temple complex. Together, the two structures symbolize the harmony of opposites in Buddhist philosophy—simplicity and complexity, tranquility and grandeur.
The name Seokgatap (釋迦塔) means “Pagoda of Shakyamuni Buddha.” Unlike the highly ornate Dabotap, Seokgatap is renowned for its austere beauty and perfect proportions. Carved entirely from fine granite, the pagoda stands about 8.2 meters tall, consisting of a two-tiered base and three gracefully diminishing stories.
Its architectural design represents the essence of Silla minimalism—symmetrical, stable, and free from unnecessary decoration. The pagoda’s simple geometry and balance evoke the Buddhist ideal of truth in simplicity, embodying both serenity and strength.
During the 1966 restoration, a wooden reliquary was discovered inside the pagoda, containing the world’s oldest known woodblock-printed text—the Great Dharani Sutra (무구정광대다라니경). This discovery offered invaluable insight into Silla Buddhism and the early history of printing technology.
🪄 2. Significance
- Architectural Value: A quintessential example of Silla pagoda design, representing perfect symmetry, proportion, and stability.
- Historical Importance: The discovery of the Great Dharani Sutra revealed Korea’s pioneering role in the development of printing and Buddhist scripture preservation.
- Cultural Legacy: Alongside Dabotap, Seokgatap stands as an enduring symbol of Korea’s cultural harmony—where simplicity and depth coexist in timeless beauty.
🌸 3. A Warm Thought
The Seokgatap Pagoda stands in silent balance beside Dabotap, whispering that truth needs no ornament—it reveals its beauty through quiet perfection.
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal.