Korea-Gangwon-Woljeongsa Nine Story Stone Pagoda 1723-07

Woljeongsa Octagonal Nine Story Pagoda, called the Sari-pagoda (relic pagoda), is believed to have been constructed in the 10th century. 'Woljeonsa'a Octagonal Nine-Story Pagoda is a multi-angled stone pagoda standing 15.2 meters/50 foot high and is representative of the multi-storied pagodas popular during the Goryo Period, especially in the northern regions of Korea. The presently exposed stone base is not the original. The original base is now below the surface. A flat stone base has been laid over the original base and is carved with lotus flowers and other images.

Pillars are delicately carved into each corner of the upper face of the stone. The shape of the first tier and the door-frame images on all sides of the stone body along with the horizontal roof stone is representative of the Goryeo Period.

The roof and body stone structure of the nine stories gives this pagoda a feeling of stability. The thin body, curved corners, door-frame on the lower body and the variations in the octagonal shape illustrate the unique and aristocratic characteristics of the Goryeo era Buddhist culture.