Stories of Korea’s National Treasures 38
Photo Credit : Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea
Three-story Stone Pagoda at the Site of Goseonsa Temple
(Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do)
🏯 1. A Pagoda Rising from Ancient Ground
At the quiet site of Goseonsa Temple in Gyeongju stands a timeless masterpiece — the Three-story Stone Pagoda, a relic of devotion and harmony from the Unified Silla period (8th century).
Though the temple itself has long disappeared, the pagoda endures, rising gracefully above the grassy plain as if still reaching toward enlightenment. Its simplicity conceals a profound balance — a quiet conversation between stone, sky, and spirit.
🪨 2. Structure and Artistic Balance
This pagoda follows the classical three-story Silla design, built on a two-tiered base of finely hewn granite. Each level is perfectly proportioned, gradually diminishing as it ascends, expressing the Buddhist path from the earthly realm toward the divine.
The roof stones are slightly upturned, giving the tower an appearance of lightness despite its weight. The corners are sharp yet refined, and the central pillar remains sturdy, testifying to the precision and skill of Silla stonemasons.
The entire form radiates stability and grace — a geometry of faith, where every line and curve serves both structural and spiritual purpose.
🌄 3. The Temple and Its Meaning
Goseonsa Temple, according to tradition, was founded by the eminent monk Wonhyo, one of the greatest thinkers in Korean Buddhist history. The pagoda is believed to have been built in his honor or during his influence, reflecting his teaching that true enlightenment is found through harmony, not separation.
Thus, the pagoda’s three tiers can be seen as symbols of wisdom, compassion, and moral action — the pillars of Wonhyo’s philosophy.
To stand before it is to sense not grandeur, but serenity — the presence of truth expressed through stillness.
🌿 4. Preservation and Legacy
Despite the passage of over twelve centuries, the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Goseonsa Temple Site retains its elegant structure and tranquil presence. Its proportions are considered among the finest examples of early Silla stone architecture.
Designated National Treasure No. 38, this pagoda embodies the spiritual clarity and aesthetic refinement of Silla Buddhism. It stands as a reminder that simplicity, when perfected, becomes eternal beauty.
Under the soft light of dawn or dusk, the tower casts a shadow as calm as its form — a quiet promise that faith, once carved in stone, never fades.
💬 5. A Warm Reflection
“The pagoda of Goseonsa does not seek height,
for its purpose is not to touch the sky,
but to steady the soul —
a reminder that enlightenment begins with stillness.”
📌 Notice
The National Treasure number indicates the order of designation, not a ranking of value.
For more information, please visit the 👉National Heritage Portal