Geumsansa Temple: Five-storied Stone Pagoda

[Narration]
As you can see, Bangdeung Altar is parallel to the Five-storied Stone Pagoda (National Treasure Number 25). This stone pagoda is 7.2 meters high and it has a simple architectural structure. According to historical records, it was originally a nine-storied pagoda, but the remaining roof stone design indicates that more than six stories were lost. The erection of a stone pagoda in front of a sarira pagoda was a religious act, done to honor the sariras of the Buddha.

There was a legend transmitted that said Gyeonhwon from the late Baekje Kingdom founded this stone pagoda along with Geumsan Temple, but this story of the beginnings of the pagoda proved untrue. Instead, accurate historical records indicate that the pagoda was established during the Goryeo Dynasty. In November 1971, while the stone pagoda was disassembled and undergoing repair, the 〈Record of Five-storied Stone Pagoda in Geumsan Temple, Moak Mountain〉 was found unexpectedly, and there it reveals that building began in 979 during the reign of King Gyeongjong of the Goryeo Dynasty and was completed two years later in 981.

Small statues of Buddha and the gilt bronze Guanyin Statue were found, along with the record, inside the pagoda. The restored relics are currently kept in Dongguk University museum.

Next we will see the last spot of our Geumsan Temple walking tour – Mireukjeon Hall. Mireukjeon is known as the treasure of treasures in Geumsan Temple. Let’s go quickly and take a look.