August 05-- This pagoda was built at the old site of Goseonsa Temple, where Wonhyodaesa, one of the greatest Buddhist priests, was the chief priest.
Name: Three-story Stone Pagoda of Goseonsa Temple. Period: Early Unified Silla Dynasty.
Location: Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang. Status: National Treasure No. 38
The pagoda, which was probably built in the late seventh century of the early Unified Silla Dynasty, stands at Gyeongju National Museum.
After Goseonsa Temple was flooded due to the construction of Deokdong Dam, the pagoda was moved to its present location in 1975.
The platform of the pagoda is made of several stones and each side has pillar-shaped carvings. The pagoda body is also made of several stones, but the third core is made of just one stone.
This was perhaps done to include space for a sarira casket, which was discovered when the pagoda was rebuilt.
The slant of the roof stone flows gently to the four corners, which are slightly raised, making the pagoda look light. The staircase-shaped support of the roof stone is made of five steps.