Photo Gallery
Sinsedong Pagoda (built 7th-10th centuries) - 신세동 칠층전탑 (新世洞 七層塼塔)
This seven-tier pagoda on the outskirts of Andong is the largest brick pagoda in Korea. Built in the Unified Silla period (668-935) when Tang Chinese styles were at court, it closely mimics Chinese models such as the Little Goose Pagoda in Xian, China. Its base is decorated with bas-reliefs of the Eight Guardians of Buddhism, and is guarded at the four corners by four snarling Deva Kings. The body of the pagoda is made of dark gray brick built in a 28 by 14 by 6 cm module, stacked to a high of about 17 meters on a 7.75 square meter foundation. It is believed that a gilt bronze ornamental roof once crowned the top.
Now sitting next a busy highway, the pagoda once rested quietly in Beopheungsa temple, which has now vanished. The Goseong Yi clan built a major home near the ruins in 1704.
Address: 경북 안동시 법흥동 8-1.
(Designated National Treasure #16).
Bibliography:
All images copyright 1998-2001 Abraham C. Ahn and Timothy M. Ciccone
Kim, Hyo-hyeong. Dapsa Yeohaengui Giljabi 10: Gyeongbuk Bukbu (Travel Survey Guidebook 10: Northern Gyeongbuk)
Dolbegae Publishers, 1997. Korea
Kim, Bong-ryeol. I Ddang-e Saegyeojin Jeongsin (The Spirit Etched on this Land).
Ju Isang Geonchuk, 1999. Seoul
Korean Office of Cultural Properties

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