Nawonri Five-Tier Pagoda

SOUTH KOREA, North Gyeongsang, Gyeongju

This pagoda is located at Nawonri in the neighborhood of Wolseong. It is also known as Nawon White Pagoda due to its long-lasting white appearance. It is one of the largest stone pagodas in Gyeongju. The pagoda was built in the 8th century during the Unified Silla dynasty (668–935) and it was restored in 1996. It was listed as National Treasure No. 39 in 1963.
The 8.8 m high pagoda is constructed from white granite. The base consists of two layers. The lower layer consists of horizontal slabs resting on the foundation, which is sunk into the ground. The upper layer appears much higher and is composed of horizontal slabs lying on vertical slabs. The pagoda body has five tiers. Except for the first tier which is formed from four stone slabs, the remaining tiers and eaves are made from single blocks of stone. The gentle-slopping eaves are slightly upturned at the corners. Beneath the eaves there are five layers of corbeling. All that remains of the spire is its partly damaged base.
During the restoration of the pagoda, artifacts, including a three-tier gilt bronze pagoda and three nine-tier gilt bronze pagodas, were discovered in a 30 cm hole on the third tier.