Hwaeomsa Temple Five-Tier Pagoda

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Gurye

There are two pagodas in front of the Great Hero Hall at Hwaeomsa (Avatamsaka Temple); this one stands to the west. Since this pagoda is styled so differently from the east pagoda, it is believed that they were not intended to be twin pagodas. This pagoda is thought to have been built in the 9th century during the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935). It was repaired by the Cultural Heritage Administration in 1995 and listed as Treasure No. 133 in 1963.
The 6.4 m high pagoda stands on a two-layer base platform with a much higher base. The base of the pagoda is formed using four large stones. Each face has central and corner pilasters, with reliefs of the Eight Classes of Dharma Protectors in between the pilasters. The first tier of the pagoda body is carved with corner pilasters and the Four Heavenly Kings. There are no carvings on the remaining tiers. The roofs have upturned corners and five-layer corbeling representing the eaves. The spire consists of a square base, an inverted bowl, stacked rings, and a jewel. This pagoda is much more elaborate in comparison with the unadorned east pagoda.
During repair work on the pagoda in 1995, a number of items were found in the first tier and the base, including 22 Buddha relics, a green glass reliquary bottle, Buddha images and sutra manuscripts. These items were listed as Treasures No. 1348 in 2002.