Dacheung Seoktap and Jeontap of Silleuksa


“….As you can see, this Dacheung Seoktap, or multi-layered stone pagoda, was, interestingly enough, made of white marble. The sense of formation that it exhibits is outstanding, making the stone pagoda exceedingly elegant! Though the original structure has suffered much damage, making it difficult to determine how many stories it once had, superbly carved dragons and clouds illustrate the application of excellent techniques at the base of the pagoda!”

“Professor, the structure of this pagoda seems to adhere to techniques of the Silla or Goryeo periods, does it not?”

“Yes, you have made an excellent observation! However, the details of this pagoda are quite different from others of the Silla or Goryeo periods. This one displays a unique sense of formation!”

“I see! As I look at it more closely, I see that lotus designs have been carved on four sides between the pagoda and the ground, and the exquisite techniques applied to create the realistic dragons and clouds at the bottom of the body were extremely skillful!”


“This is the Dacheung Jeontap of Silleuksa! Do you know what a Jeontap is?”

“Of course, this is a pagoda made of bricks. I also know that this multi-layered brick pagoda is the one and only jeontop from the Goryeo period!”

“Haha, of course! As Silleuksa has a pagoda made of stacked bricks, it has also been known as ‘Byeokjeol since ancient times. As the water flowing down the stream often flooded Silleuksa, this jeontap functioned as a lighthouse.”

“Wow, a pagoda functioning as a lighthouse! This structure now seems much more interesting!”