What if this marble pagoda could talk? The Wongaksa Pagoda stands here in Seoul. It is a silent witness to centuries of Korean history.
Wongaksa Temple was established in 1465. King Sejo built it two years before construction on this pagoda began. The temple stood where Tapgol Park is now. It thrived even when the Joseon Dynasty adopted Confucianism. Confucianism suppressed Buddhism.
In 1504, King Yeonsangun closed the temple. He turned it into a house for female entertainers. It was called Yeonbangwon. The pagoda and a memorial stele were the only things that survived.
Look closely at this 12-meter-tall pagoda. It is unique. It is the only one of its kind built during the Joseon period. The pagoda is made of marble. Most Korean pagodas are made of granite. Notice the detailed carvings. They create a beautiful harmony. The marble is grayish white.
The base has three tiers. They are decorated with dragons and lions. Lotus blossoms adorn the base. The main body has ten stories. The lower three stories mirror the base’s shape. The upper seven stories are square.
Each story looks like a traditional Korean house. There are roofs and support brackets. See the columns. A record says it was set up in 1467. This makes it a masterpiece. Its carvings display excellent technique.
The Wongaksa Pagoda resembles another pagoda. It is the Ten-story Stone Pagoda of Gyeongcheonsa Temple Site. That one was built during the Goryeo Period.
Even this pagoda had a close call. During the Imjin War in the 16th century, the top fell. It lay on the ground until 1947. Then, American military engineers replaced it.
In 1897, the financial advisor to King Gojong made this area Seoul’s first public park. It was called Pagoda Park. Today, it is Tapgol Park.
Now, the Wongaksa Pagoda stands protected. It is inside a glass case. This acknowledges its artistic and historical value. It was designated a National Treasure of Korea in 1962.
Take a moment to appreciate its beauty. This pagoda has seen kings rise and fall. It has witnessed war and peace. The Wongaksa Pagoda remains a symbol of Korean resilience.