Borimsa Temple Three-Tier Pagodas and Stone Lantern

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Jangheung

They are located in front of the Hall of Great Silence and Light at Borimsa (Jeweled Forest Temple). According to the records found on the first level during their restoration, the stone pagodas were built in 870, and the stone lantern was probably erected at about the same time. The pagodas were renovated in 1478, 1535, and 1684. The pagodas and the lantern were listed as National Treasures No. 44 in 1962.
The south and north pagodas are 5.4 m and 5.9 m high, respectively. They are typical pagodas from the Unified Silla period with a base platform, a base, and three-tier body, and decorations on the spire. Each pagoda stands on a low base platform, upon which rests a much higher base with central and corner pilasters. Each level of the pagoda bodies and each roof consists of a single carved stone. They are decorated with corner pilasters on each level. The spire of each pagoda consists of a base, an inverted bowl, stacked rings, and a jewel.
The stone lantern, which is 3.1 m high, is also typical of the Unified Silla period. The pedestal is in three sections: a square base, an octagonal middle section with an ogee arched door on each face, and an upper section in the form of an inverted lotus. An octagonal shaft connects the pedestal with the body of the lantern, which is again in three sections: an upright lotus mirroring that of the pedestal, an octagonal middle section with four openings, and two octagonal pyramidal roofs separated by a cylindrical section. At the top of the whole structure there is a lotus-shaped jewel.