Yeonggwang Sillyongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda: Following the thousand-year breath that remains at the vanished temple site
How would you feel if you encountered a massive stone pagoda suddenly rising next to vast rice fields, at the entrance of a quiet village? The Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda in Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do, has preserved such mystery and stood firm for a long time. What stories could this solitary pagoda, with no temple to be found nearby, truly hold?
Only the stone standing Buddha statue quietly standing next to the stone pagoda hints that this place was once a large, prosperous temple; other traces have vanished with time. However, the pagoda’s own grandeur and intricacy still showcase the essence of Goryeo Dynasty Buddhist art, enticing travelers who explore the mysteries of history.
Aesthetic Beauty Holding a Thousand Years of History, Next to a Secluded House
Currently, it is difficult to find traces of a temple around the Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda, but the single stone standing Buddha statue quietly situated next to the pagoda suggests that this place was once a temple of considerable size. This pagoda, whose towering presence next to a secluded house is even more striking, features a five-story main body atop a two-tiered base, crowned with a finial.
Architectural Characteristics of Goryeo Dynasty Stone Pagodas
The pagoda’s base has pillar-shaped carvings on each of its four corners and in the center, adding stability. The main body of the pagoda gradually decreases in height from the second story to the fifth, showcasing overall proportional beauty. Notably, the roof stone supports show a unique change, transitioning from four tiers on the first to third stories to three tiers on the fourth and fifth stories, which well reflects the formal characteristics of early Goryeo stone pagodas.
- Base Section Pillar-shaped carvings on each corner and in the center express sturdiness.
- Pagoda Body Gradually decreasing main body from the second story creates balance and stability.
- Roof Stone Supports Transitional style changing from 4 tiers in the lower part to 3 tiers in the upper part.
- Finial Decoration Decorations made of different stone materials are placed, presumed to have been added later.
Grandeur Regained from the Brink of Collapse, Hidden Stories of Restoration
Having endured the ravages of time, the lower base section was damaged, and the severely cracked upper base section was almost on the verge of collapse. However, in 1981, through meticulous dismantling and restoration work, its current magnificent appearance was recovered. Thanks to this restoration work, we can fully appreciate the original grandeur of the Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda.
Historical Discoveries and the Meaning of Their Preservation
The valuable artifacts discovered during the pagoda’s dismantling have now been moved to the Gwangju National Museum and are carefully preserved. Although they cannot be seen directly at the site, visitors can encounter other stories related to the pagoda and historical traces of the vanished temple through the museum. These artifacts serve as important clues that offer a glimpse into past culture and beliefs.
- Facing Crisis Risk of collapse due to damage to the lower base section and severe cracks in the upper base section.
- Extensive Restoration Reborn into its current form through dismantling and restoration work by experts in 1981.
- Artifact Relocation Artifacts discovered during restoration are permanently preserved at the Gwangju National Museum.
Directions to Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda in Yeonggwang and Nearby Attractions
A Journey to Tranquil Yeonggwang
The Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda, located at 57-1 Sinryong-ri, Gunseo-myeon, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, blends into the vast plains and tranquil village scenery like Picture. Public transportation accessibility is somewhat limited, so using a private car is the most convenient option. Enter the address into your navigation and visit with a relaxed mind. Approach roads may be narrow, so please drive safely.
Attractions in Yeonggwang to Enjoy Nearby
- Bulgapsa Temple A thousand-year-old temple known as the first arrival point of Baekje Buddhism. It is also famous for its beautiful cluster-amaryllis fields in autumn.
- Baeksu Coastal Road A scenic drive course featuring stunning sunsets and strangely shaped rocks along the West Sea, offering fantastic views.
- Yeonggwang Gamami Beach A representative beach on the West Sea, loved by family visitors for its fine sand and shallow waters.
- Yeonggwang Ggulbi Ggulbi, a specialty of Yeonggwang, offers an unmissable gastronomic experience. Be sure to savor its unique umami flavor.
Following the Footsteps of History, Remembering Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda
The Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda is not merely an old stone pagoda. It is a treasure trove of history, faithfully containing the prosperity and decline of a vanished temple, and the traces of those who strived to protect it. Escape the bustling city and encounter this pagoda, which tells tales of a thousand years in a quiet rural village. It will be a special experience that awakens forgotten historical sensibilities.
Mindset for Appreciating the Pagoda More Deeply
- Acquire Prior Knowledge Visiting with prior information about the pagoda’s structural characteristics and restoration process allows for deeper appreciation.
- Harmony with Surrounding Landscape Capture the pagoda’s appearance, harmonizing with the quiet rice fields, from various angles to experience this cultural heritage within nature.
- Imagine the Vanished Temple Site Looking at the stone standing Buddha statue, use your imagination to picture how large and magnificent the temple once was here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of pagoda is the Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda?
It is a five-story stone pagoda located in Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, presumed to have been built in the early Goryeo Dynasty. Although traces of a temple site are currently difficult to find, the stone standing Buddha statue next to it suggests that it was once part of a large-scale temple. It was dismantled and restored in 1981.
Q2. I’m curious about the distinctive architectural style of the stone pagoda.
It features a five-story main body atop a two-tiered base, a gradually decreasing body from the second story, and roof stone supports that change from four tiers on the first to third stories to three tiers on the fourth and fifth stories. It well demonstrates the style of early Goryeo stone pagodas, which leaned towards formalism.
Q3. Where can I see artifacts related to the pagoda?
Artifacts discovered during the dismantling and restoration of the Sinryongdong Five-story Stone Pagoda in 1981 have been moved to the Gwangju National Museum and are currently preserved and exhibited. Since they cannot be seen directly around the pagoda, please consider visiting the museum.
Q4. Are there other attractions nearby?
Near the stone pagoda, there are various tourist attractions where you can visit Bulgapsa Temple, known as the first arrival point of Baekje Buddhism, the beautiful Baeksu Coastal Road, and taste Yeonggwang’s specialty, Ggulbi. Visit them together and experience the charm of Yeonggwang.
Q5. Are there any precautions to take when visiting?
The stone pagoda is located next to a secluded house, making private car use more convenient than public transportation. To protect cultural heritage, please refrain from damaging or defacing the pagoda, and we ask for your cooperation in keeping it clean.
