Seven-story Stone Pagoda in Tappyeong-ri, Chungju

Seven-story Stone Pagoda in Tappyeong-ri, Chungju (Korean충주 탑평리 칠층석탑), also called the Jungang Pagoda (Central Pagoda), is a 14.5 meter tall stone pagoda near the Namhan River in North Chungcheong Province, South Korea.[1] It is the tallest stone pagoda of the Later Silla period.[1]

Jungwontappyeongnichilcheungseoktap (Seven storied stone pagoda in Tap-pyeong-ri)

History

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The stone pagoda is estimated to have been built during the reign of King Wonseong in the 8th century, and it has a style which was typical of the Later Silla period.[2] It is presumed that the pagoda was once part of a temple site; various artifacts were discovered beneath the pagoda in 1917, including religious items and a mirror from the Goryeo period.[1]

According to a legend, the pagoda was at the center of the country. Thus, if two people from the northern and southern ends of the country walked at the same pace toward each other, they would end up meeting at the pagoda.[2]

Citations

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  1. ^ a b c "Seven-story Stone Pagoda in Tappyeong-ri, Chungju". Cultural Heritage Administration. Korea Tourism Organization. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  2. ^ a b "Chungju Tappyeongni Chilcheungseoktap". Korea JoongAng Daily. JoongAng Ilbo. Retrieved 15 October 2016.

37°00′57″N 127°52′00″E / 37.01583°N 127.86667°E / 37.01583; 127.86667