E2024-G067

Stone Pagodas of Gwangju: The Aesthetic Legacy of Buddhist Art

Narrative

The stone pagodas of Gwangju are important cultural heritage that bear witness to the long history of Buddhist culture in the region. Beyond their role as religious structures, they are regarded as representative examples that reflect the tradition and identity of Gwangju’s stone art. The area around Gwangju Park is believed to have once been the site of Seonggeosa Temple, where the Five-story Stone Pagoda at Seonggeosa Temple Site, Gwangju (Presumed) now stands. Built in the early Goryeo period, it was designated as a Treasure in 1963. During its dismantling and restoration in 1961, a reliquary was discovered, which is now housed in the Gwangju National Museum. The Five-story Stone Pagoda in Sillyong-dong is thought to have been constructed in the early Goryeo period as well. Artifacts unearthed during its restoration in 1981 are also preserved in the Gwangju National Museum. The Five-story Stone Pagoda in Jisan-dong dates to the Unified Silla period and was designated as a Treasure in 1963. During its dismantling and repair in 1955, a reliquary and related artifacts were found; these are now held by the National Museum of Korea. At the foot of Mudeungsan Mountain, both Yaksaam Hermitage and Jeungsimsa Temple retain Three-story Stone Pagodas believed to have been built during the Unified Silla period, continuing the lineage of Buddhist art across the Gwangju region.