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History |
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History |
Great Silla Period The Great Silla Period began in 668 and lasted until the later part of the 8th century. One of the most important events of this period was the increasing influence of Buddhism amongst the populace and the nobility. While remains exist from earlier times, this time period yields the most remnants to begin tracing the early development of medieval Korean architecture. While none of the original wooden structures remain today, artwork and contemporary structures from Japan (where the Koreans exerted a heavy influence in Buddhism) give an idea of what the architecture looked like. |
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During this time period, the Buddhist temples began using a manner of arrangement known as the twin-pagoda style. The majority of the pagodas were of the "Silla-type", a style typified by a double-tiered pedestal and three levels. Each of the upper stories is smaller in height and width than its predecessors, with the support stone (Patchim) between them stepped like an inverted stair and the corners slightly upturned. The methods used to create pagodas also changed: while earlier examples used multiple stones to make up the structure, during the Unified Silla time period, the number of stones was reduced. Each story requires only two stones: one for the Patchim and one for the Okssin-sŏk, the main stone. Atop the entire ensemble were finials. Some of the earliest existing temples hail from this time period. The unity provided by the Silla Dynasty finally broke down late in the 8th century as a result of widespread internecine struggles. |
One of the twin pagodas at Pu-sok-sa Temple. It has all the characteristics of a Silla Pagoda. |
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