Seokgatap

Seokgatap is a three-storied stone pagoda built from granite blocks rising 8.5 meters with simple geometric proportions at each level. The structure stands without ornamental carving, emphasizing clean lines and balanced stacking.

The pagoda was built in 751 CE during the Silla Dynasty when Kim Daeseong oversaw construction at Bulguksa Temple as part of a major Buddhist expansion. It formed part of a larger building program that shaped the entire temple complex.

The three tiers reflect Buddhist cosmology, with each level representing a different celestial realm. Visitors can sense these symbolic layers when walking around the structure.

The pagoda sits within temple grounds accessible during opening hours, and you can walk around it to view all sides. Early morning visits offer better lighting and fewer crowds for photography.

A hidden chamber in the second story was discovered during restoration work in the twentieth century, containing Buddhist relics. This concealed space reveals how ancient craftspeople protected sacred objects inside the structure.