🏯 Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 6
Photo Credit: Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Seven-Story Stone Pagoda at Tappyeong-ri, Chungju
(충주 탑평리 칠층석탑 · 忠州 塔坪里 七層石塔)
📖 1. History & Description
The Seven-Story Stone Pagoda at Tappyeong-ri, located in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, is designated as National Treasure No. 6 of Korea.
This grand pagoda, standing at about 14.5 meters in height, is the tallest existing stone pagoda from the Unified Silla period (8th century). It once marked the site of a magnificent, now-vanished temple, serving as a symbol of Buddhist devotion and architectural mastery.
The pagoda is built from finely dressed granite blocks, featuring a square base, seven tiers, and a gently tapering silhouette that conveys both dignity and grace. Each story displays balanced proportions, with roof stones slightly curved upward—a hallmark of Unified Silla artistry. Despite centuries of exposure, its structure remains remarkably well-preserved.
🪄 2. Significance
- Architectural Value: As the tallest stone pagoda of the Unified Silla period, it represents the pinnacle of Buddhist architecture in harmony and proportion.
- Cultural Symbol: Its towering form symbolizes both the spiritual aspiration toward enlightenment and the technical sophistication of the era.
- Historical Legacy: The pagoda stands as tangible evidence of the flourishing Buddhism and artistic excellence of 8th-century Korea.
🌸 3. A Warm Thought
The Seven-Story Stone Pagoda at Tappyeong-ri rises calmly against the sky—a quiet monument reminding us that faith, once built in stone, can endure far beyond the ages.
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number only indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉 National Heritage Portal.