Hwaeomsa Temple Three-Tier Pagoda

SOUTH KOREA, South Jeolla, Gurye

The pagoda was built during the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935) and stands to the east of the steps in front of the Great Hero Hall. There are two accounts of the origin of the pagoda. One version says that the pagoda was built to store 73 Buddha relics brought back by Master Jajang from China during the Tang dynasty (618–907). Another version states that the pagoda was dedicated to Master Yeongijosa, the founder of the temple. The pagoda was listed as National Treasure No. 35 in 1962.
The pagoda has a height of 5.5 m. The base platform is carved with reliefs of apsaras playing musical instruments, dancing or making offerings. The usual base of the pagoda has been replaced by a unique feature: four seated lions are sculpted as corner pillars and in the center there is a statue of a monk standing with joined palms. The outward-facing lions have expressive faces. They are standing on lotus pedestals and have lotus capitals above them supporting the body of the pagoda. On the sides of the first tier of the body there are carvings of doors flanked by benevolent kings. The corners of the roofs are upturned and there are five layers of corbeling representing the eaves. The spire consists of a harmika, an inverted bowl, stacked rings, and a jewel.
On the basis of its exquisite carvings, the pagoda was erected during the golden age of the Unified Silla dynasty. Along with the Prabhutaratna Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple, this pagoda represents one of the most important innovations in Korean stone pagoda construction.