Octagonal Nine-story Stone Pagoda of Woljeongsa, Pyeongchang

Also called: Woljeongsa Pagoda

An early Goryeo pagoda at Woljeongsa on Mount Odae. An octagonal nine-story pagoda, it represents the multi-sided, many-storied Goryeo pagodas that, under Song influence, flourished in the north, the old Goguryeo lands.

This 15.2 m pagoda stands before the main hall (Jeokgwangjeon) of Woljeongsa on Mount Odae. Unlike the usual four-sided, three-story pagodas of Unified Silla, it stacks nine stories on an octagonal body — the leading pagoda of early Goryeo. Wind bells hang from the eight corners of each roof stone, and its gilt-bronze finial survives intact.

Goryeo’s multi-sided, many-storied pagodas reflect Song influence and were built mainly in the north, the former lands of Goguryeo. Before it kneels a stone bodhisattva making an offering to the pagoda. It is a National Treasure, and exams ask candidates to tell Silla three-story pagodas (Bulguksa) from Goryeo multi-sided pagodas (Woljeongsa).