Three-story Stone Pagoda at the Jinjeonsa Temple Site, Yangyang

A late Unified Silla pagoda at the temple where Doui, who brought Seon from Tang, lived. The Eight Guardians on its base and Buddhas on its first story show the period’s taste for carved decoration.

Built in the 9th century, late in Unified Silla, this 5 m pagoda follows the classic Unified Silla form of three stories on a two-tier base. The upper base is carved with the Eight Guardians of the Dharma, the lower base with flying celestials, and the four faces of the first story with Buddhas — a fine example of the late Silla trend of covering pagodas with relief.

Jinjeonsa is said to be where Doui, who brought Seon Buddhism back from Tang in 821, lived and taught. It is a National Treasure.