Sokka Pagoda of the Pohyonsa Buddhist temple

The Sokka Pagoda of the Pohyonsa Buddhist temple is a 13-storeyed octagonal pagoda located at Mt. Myohyang, Hyangam-ri, Hyangsan County, North Phyongan Province, North Korea. It is listed as a National Treasure of North Korea.

Sokka Pagoda of the Pohyonsa Buddhist temple
Korean name
Chosŏn'gŭl
보현사팔각십삼층탑
Hancha
普賢寺八角十三層塔
Revised RomanizationBohyeonsa-palgaksipsamcheungtap
McCune–ReischauerPohyŏnsa-p'algakshipsamch'ŭngt'ap

Details

Built in 1042 AD,[1] the granite structure (also called Sokga Pagoda) was built during the Koryo Dynasty. It is 10.03 m high with a 6.58 m body. The body of the pagoda tapers off gradually from the bottom upwards. The eaves of the octagonal roof stone and the eaves of each storey are slightly turned-up at the tips giving them a buoyed look; a total 104 bells are hung on each tip of the eaves. A bronze ornament is on top of the pagoda.[2]

The various bells and the gilt bronze ornament were seriously damaged by US bombings during the Korean War. They have since been restored to their original state.[2]

The pagoda is the male counterpart to the feminine Tabo Pagoda of the Pulguska Temple; it inspired the design of the French Embassy in Seoul by Korean architect Kim Chung-up.[3]

References
  1. Yu, Chai-Shin (2012). The New History of Korean Civilization. iUniverse. p. see page 58. ISBN 1462055591.
  2. "The 13-storeyed Octagonal Pagoda of the Pohyon Temple". naenara.com.kp. Korea Computer Center in DPR Korea & Foreign Languages Publishing House. 2014 [2003]. Retrieved November 9, 2014.
  3. Ui Ahn, Byung (Autumn 1989). "Remembrances: Kim Chung-up". Koreana. Korea Foundation: 18–21. Retrieved 7 November 2014.

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