Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda
 |
| Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda | |
 Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda sits on the first floor of the National Museum of Korea. | |
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 경천사십층석탑 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Gyeongcheonsa sipcheung seoktap |
| McCune–Reischauer | Kyŏngch'ŏnsa sipch'ŭng sŏkt'ap |
Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda (
An inscription on the first story of the
The pagoda stands 13.5 m in height and is ten storeys tall. However, because of the three-tiered foundation, it is a common mistake to believe that the pagoda has thirteen storeys. Unlike most
Gyeongcheonsa Pagoda sits on a three-tiered foundation which projects in four directions like a cross. The first three storeys of the pagoda share the same shape as the foundation. Each panel of this tiered foundation is carved with Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, flowers, and arabesque patterns.
The remaining storeys are square in shape and share intricate detailing which tries to create the illusion that the marble pagoda is made from wood. Each remaining storey has railings, a hip-and-gabled roof, eaves, and carvings made to suggest that each roof is tiled.[1][2]
This pagoda is very valuable because it preserves the Goryeo-era wooden architectural style that has been mostly lost. According to the South Korean Cultural Heritage Administration, this pagoda is one of the finest examples of Korean stone work and is of high artistic value.
Gallery
See also
- Wongaksa Pagoda
- National Museum of Korea
- National treasures of South Korea
- National treasures of North Korea