양양 진전사지 삼층석탑

Jinjeonsa is a Buddhist temple that was founded during the Unified Silla period, which existed on the Korean Peninsula from the year 676 to the year 900. The exact year of the temple’s foundation is not known. It is estimated, however, that Jinjeonsa Temple was founded in the 8th century and closed in the 16th century. According to records, Jinjeonsa Temple was founded by State Preceptor Doui. When a piece of roof tile with the inscription “Jinjeon” was found near the temple site, the name of this temple was revealed. It is also famous as a temple where Ilyeon, the author of Samguk yusa, which is a history book written about the period of the Three States from the 1st century B.C. and the 7th century, became a Buddhist monk. Jinjeonsa Temple Site is located at the edge of Seoraksan Mountain. According to records, Jinjeonsa Temple is where State Preceptor Doui first spread Zen Buddhism upon his return in the year 821 after studying Buddhism in Tang. Therefore, the temple holds very high status in the history of Buddhism in Korea. In fact, Jinjeonsa Temple is more famous for its stone pagoda. Displaying stone pagoda styles of the Unified Silla period during which the temple was founded, the Jinjeonsa Temple Three-story Stone Pagoda was designated as National Treasure No. 122. Stupa at the Jinjeonsa Temple Site, which is a pagoda where Doui is enshrined, is also located nearby. Stupa refers to a pagoda where the sarira is enshrined. Stupa at the Jinjeonsa Temple Site is recognized to be the oldest of all stupas, and thus was designated as Treasure No. 439.