The National Heritage Administration has announced that the “Gokseong Taeansa Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda” has been designated as a National Treasure. The pagoda is the stupa of Jeokin Seonsa Hyecheol, who established the Dongni Order during the Unified Silla period. The Dongni Order was one of the nine schools of Seon Buddhism formed by students returning from studying in the Tang Dynasty, centered around Taeansa Temple.
The pagoda is a representative example of the octagonal stupa with a separate, assembled wooden-style base made from multiple pieces of stone. The lower stone has delicately carved lion statues in relief, and the main body of the pagoda imitates wooden architectural pillars and beams.
The monument and the Four Heavenly Kings are intricately carved, showcasing both dynamic and restrained carving techniques in one sculpture. The National Heritage Administration highlighted the excellent proportions and aesthetic quality of the pagoda, noting that the eaves stone realistically replicates the curves of traditional Korean hanok roofs, adding artistic and technical value.
The inscription on the pagoda clearly records the posthumous name of Hyecheol, “Jeokin,” and the construction year of 861. The four remaining base stones are considered to be the only surviving evidence among Unified Silla stupas indicating a space for worship activities, giving it high historical and academic value.
The National Heritage Administration stated that they will continue to work closely with local governments and owners to ensure systematic preservation and management of the “Gokseong Taeansa Jeokin Seonsa Pagoda,” now designated as a National Treasure.