• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.32
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• pp.391-424
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• 2008

A Buddhist relic deposit was discovered from the three storied stone pagoda which was called as Seokgatap of Bulguksa temple in Gyeongju in 1966. In this relic deposit, several clumped papers written in ink which were found from the pagoda. These manuscripts are one of the most valuable materials for understanding Korean Buddhism and Buddhist Art History. In this paper, I examined several terms for pagoda subsidiaries found in these manuscripts, which have not been known to us up to recently. In addition, I compared these terms to the real pagodas or pagoda images in Korea. The manuscripts from Seokgatap pagdoa were composed of three different kinds of records; (1) "Record for the Repair of Mugujeonggwangtap Pagoda (無垢淨光塔重修記, 1024)"; (2)"Record for the Reconstruction of West Pagoda (西石塔重修形止記, 1038); (3)"Lists of Donors for the Reconstruction of the Pagoda in Bulguksa temple (佛國寺塔重修布施名公衆僧小名記, 1038). The terminology describing pagoda was appeared in the first and the second records. In the "Record for the Repair of Mugujeonggwangtap Pagoda", there are more than ten terms, which are presumed to be the words describing some upper decorative parts of a stone pagoda. However, in the "Record for the Reconstruction of West Pagoda", there are fifteen terms which would describe the body and base parts of the Seokgatap pagoda. These new terms for pagoda subsidiaries appeared in the manuscripts of Seokgatap Pagoda are very significant materials in understanding Korean Buddhist Art, because they show the practical terms which were used in the eleventh century Buddhism of Korea, but never known to the modern academic world. The manuscripts of Seokgatap Pagoda have not been deciphered perfectly yet, so they have to be examined with more precise as well as with wider view of Buddist and Art History.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.137-151
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• 2012

In 1966, $Seokgatap$ pagoda in $Bulguksa$ temple was damaged by the tomb robbers and was dismantled to fix the damage. In the process, many offerings to Buddha and containers for Sarira(the cremated remains) were found in $Sarigong$(specially designated space for the Sarira casket) inside the second floor of the pagoda. Many fabrics like $Geum$, $Neung$(twill), $Rha$(complex gauze), silk tabby and linen were also excavated. In this study, $Geum$ fabric from the $Seokgatap$ was closely examined. $Geum$ of $seokgatap$ is weft-faced compound weave according to the analysis of its weaving pattern which was wrongly presumed as warp-faced compound weave for some time. Technical analysis of $Geum$: Main: silk, Binding: silk, Proportion: 1 main warp to 1 binding warp, Count: 15 main warps and 15 binding warps per centimeter, Weft: polychrome silk without apparent twist, Colors: yellow, mustard yellow, deep blue, green and purple, Weave: weft-faced compound twill, 1/2 S. $Geum$ of $Seokgatap$ was made in the $8^{th}$ century, since it was weaved in weft-faced compound weave twill which was popular in the $8-9^{th}$ century. And also, the arrangement of the colors was done in the same way of gradation $Geum$ silk which was popular in the $7-8^{th}$ C in China and Japan. Third, we restored the pattern of $Geum$ of the Unified Shilla Dynasty for the first time. It was very difficult to figure out the shape and the size of pattern since the fabric was partially lost and ruined. We tried to draw the diagram of structure with the cross point of the warp and the weft to restore the pattern. By doing so, we could identify two kinds of small flower pattern, palmette and the pattern of repeating vines. Fourth, we could infer that the $Geum$ of $Seokgatap$ was used for $geumdae$(a pouch made of $geum$) by analyzing all the documents and the characteristics of the fabric.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.39-59
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• 2010

Seokgatap and Dabotap are representing the tower patterns in "Gyeonbotappum" of the Lotus Sutra. It is very peculiar, for the description on "Gyeonbotappum" is usually made in terms of 'the two Buddhas sitting side by side'. If 'the two Buddhas sitting side by side' is describing the situation in Dabotap, the double structure of Seokgatap and Dabotap can be said to symbolize the scriptural description in a different viewpoint. Its correct comprehension is pretty important in understanding Bulguksa. For this, this paper first arranged the critical minds and flows about the faith objects in Indian Buddhism. And, it was considered how these aspects were accumulated through Saddharma-pundarika sutra. Secondly, it was considered why "Gyeonbotappum" took the typical symbolism in Saddharma-pundarika sutra(Lotus Sutra). These parts should be necessarily considered in advance in that Seokgatap and Dabotap were derived from the form of "Gyeonbotappum". Based on this approach, the author checked the actual aspects of Seokgatap that the tower was built on a natural rock ground and the stones surrounding the tower are constituting the 8-directional Lotus site. With these two aspects, we could get the clue on the foundation time of Bulguksa that its founder had intended. In that Dabotap was formed on the basis of "Gyeonbotappum", the features of Dabotap is very important in comprehending its foundation viewpoint. As a result, the viewpoint of double towers in Bulguksa can be said to be the one that the world of suffering was to change to the Pure Land after Sakyamuni preached the Lotus Sutra on the top of Mt. Grdhrakuta and Prabhutaratna-tathagata proved it. This foundation viewpoint shows us clearly that 'the Lotus Buddhist Country' existed in parallel to the Avatamska Buddhist Country. It secures an appropriate meaning in that it can complement or adjust our understanding on the 'Buddhist country (Bulguk)' of Bulguksa where the Avatamska Idea is emphasized relatively highly as shown in the whole title of Bulguksa as 'Avatamska Bulguksa.'

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.24 no.5
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• pp.49-58
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• 2015

The purpose of this study is to analyze the overall condition of the foundation for the three storied stone pagoda of Bulguksa temple in GyeongJu. As a research method, exploration of the electrical resistivity, refraction seismic, surface wave exploration, GPR exploration, Reputation loading test. The results of the investigation, the range of the foundation was formed in foundation stone outskirts of 1.5 ~ 2.0m. It was confirmed to be about 2.0m depth. The depth of the foundation becomes shallower from the base portion to the outside. And the bearing capacity of foundation was sufficient conditions to weight. It can sufficiently support the weight of pagoda. And, the result of this investigation becomes basis data for repair work.

• Journal of the Korean Geophysical Society
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• v.5 no.2
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• pp.143-151
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• 2002

Bulku temple in the city of Kyungju, Korea, built in 791 and reconstructed in the 20th century, is the home of seven national treasures including two three-story stone pagodas, Dabotap (height 10.4m, width 7.4m, weight 123.2ton) and Seokgatap (height 10.8m, width 4.4m, weight 82.3 ton). An earlier archaeological investigation shows that stone pagodas have experienced severe weathering process which will threaten their stability. At the base part of Dabotap, an offset of the stone alignment is also observed. For the purpose of the structural safety diagnosis of two pagodas, we introduce the nondestructive geophysical methods. Site characteristics around the pagodas are determined by the measurement of multiple properties such as seismic velocity, resistivity, image of GPR(ground-penetrating radar). Near the pagodas, the occurrence of high resistivity (up to 2200 Ωm) is obvious whereas their outskirts have as low as 200 Ωm. For the velocity of the P wave, the site of Dabotap has the range of 500~800 m/s which is higher than counterpart of Seokgatap with the velocity of 300~500m/s, indicating the solider stability of Dabotap site. Consequently, in addition to GPR images, the foundation boundaries beneath each stone pagodas are revealed. The Dabotap site is in the form of an octagon having 6-m-long side with the depth of ~4m, whereas the Seokgatap site the 9m × 10m rectangle with the depth of 3m. These subsurface structures appear to reflect the original foundations constructed against the stone load of ~8 ton/㎡. At the subsurface beneath the northeast of each pagoda, low seismic velocity as well as low resistivity is prominent. It is interpreted to represent the weak underground condition.

• 한국지구물리탐사학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2004.08a
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• pp.70-83
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• 2004

The safety diagnosis of cultural assets is Primarily focused on its non-destructiveness. Research on the nondestructive diagnosis and conservation of masonry cultural heritage is the key which is considered by technologic kernel. Geophyscial Prospecting as nondestructive diagnostic technology plays an important role in the characterization of the foundation of stone pagodas. It is natural that understanding of shallow subsurface condition beneath them is essential for their structural safety diagnosis. As an example, the nondestructive geophysical methods were applied to two three-story stone pagodas, Seokgatap (height 10.8 m, width 4.4 m, weight 82.3 ton) and Dabotap (height 10.4 m, width 7.4 m, weight 123.2 ton) which were built in 791 at Bulkuksa temple. An earlier archaeological investigation shows that stone pagodas have experienced severe weathering process and are slightly leaning, which will threaten their stability At the base part of Dabotap, an offset of the stone alignment is also observed. Direct measurements of ultrasonic velocities was introduced for the mechanical properties of the stone The velocity ranges of ultrasonic waves for Dabotap and Seokgatap are 1217${\~}$4403 m/s and 584${\~}$5845 m/s, respectively, and the estimated averages of the uniaxial compressive strength are 463 kg/$cm^2$ and 409 kg/$cm^2$, respectively. Site characteristics, around the pagodas are determined by the measurement of multiple properties such as seismic velocity, resistivity, image of ground-penetrating radar, On the basis of the higher velocity structure, the site of Seokgatap appears to have solider stability than the Seokgatap site. Near the pagodas, higher(up to 2200 $\Omega$m) resistivity is present whereas their outskirts have as low as 200 $\Omega$m. By the combined results of each geophyscial methods, the subsurface boundaries of two stone pagodas are revealed. The Dabotap site is in the form of an octagon having 6-m-long side with the depth of ${\~}$4 m, whereas the Seokgatap site is the 8 ${\times}$ 10 m rectangle with the depth of 3 m. These subsurface structures appear to reflect the original foundations constructed against the stone load of ${\~}8 ton/m^2$. At the subsurface beneath the northeast of each pagoda, low seismic velocity as well as low resistivity is prominent. It is interpreted to represent the weak underground condition which Is the possible cause of the slightly leaning pagodas toward the NNW.

• 한국문화재보존과학회:학술대회논문집
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• 2004.10a
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• pp.15-24
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• 2004

The Seokgatap pagoda composed of mainly alkali granite and other minor pink-feldspar granite, fine-grained granite, granodiorite, diorite, gabbro, and tuff. Despite the small loss and damage derived from joints, its peel-off and exfoliation are serious enough to cause the heavy deterioration on the stone surface. The chemical and petrological weathering has partly replaced the original rock-forming minerals with clay minerals and iron oxyhydroxides. Based on the petrogenesis, rock materials of the pagoda is very similar to rocks of Dabotap pagoda and the Namsan granite in the Gyeongju. The central fart of the pagoda has sunken highly, which caused all the corners to split and the structural transformation to become worse. The reverse V-shaped gaps between the materials have broken stones filled in a coarse way. The iron plates inserted between the upper flat stone laid on other stones and tile pagoda body in the north and east side has been exposed in the air and corroded, discoloring of the adjacent stones. The overall diagnosis of the Seokgatap pagoda is the deteriorated functions of the stone materials, which calls for a long-term monitoring and plans to reinforce the stone surfaces. But the main body including the pagoda roof stone needs washing on a regular basis, and the many different cracks should be fixed with glue by using the fillers or hardeners designed for stone cultural properties after removing the cement mortar. In case of the replacement of the stone materials with new stones, it's necessary to examine the pagoda for the center of gravity and support intensity of the materials. The structural stability of the pagoda can be attained by taking a reinforce measure in geotechnical engineering and making a drainage. The ground humidity, which has aggravated weathering and structural instability, should be resolved by setting up a humidity reduction facility. The contamination of lichens and bryophyte around the pagoda and on the surface is serious. Thus biochemical treatments should be given too in order to prevent further biological damages and remove the vegetation growing on the discontinuous planes.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.22 no.6
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• pp.47-58
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• 2013

The purpose of this study is to analyze the cause of damage to the three storied stone pagoda of Bulguksa temple in GyeongJu. This report is attempted to making reinforcement and conservation plan through investigating and analyzing the cause of damage to that. The damage is caused by occurring of stress, degrading of stone strength, changing of underground soil structure, natural disasters and so on. Compressive stress, shear stress, bending stress and lateral pressure affected to the pagoda since built up. Ultrasonic examination data tells the strength of the stone. According to this result, strength of the stereobate stone materials is enough to support the weight of the upper ones. But we could found many other factors of the damage could consider, for example the problems occurred on building the pagoda construction and the weakness of the stone material(soft rock). And many environmental factors being changed in soil structure(subsidence of soil and degradation of bearing power of soil and freezing and melting of soil) can be seen as the cause of the damage. Natural disasters like earthquake, lightning and heavy rain were also thought to give direct impact to the damage. At last Concentration of compressive stress caused the crack and exfoliation on the stone materials and shear stress, bending stress and lateral pressure were main causes of the stereobate stone materials shearing.

• Journal of architectural history
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.7-20
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• 2012

As the corner of wooden pagoda forms the roof by closely bordering left and right eaves on the various purlins and angle rafters, it is designed for every face to be recognized as front whose structure system increases load to bear proportionally. The corner of wooden pagoda is inseparable with the corner bracket set as it becomes stable thanks to the corner bracket set structurally and load burden under restrained structure makes the corner bracket set really important. Accordingly, this study could figure out some facts by analyzing corner bracket sets of Palsangjeon of Beobjusa Temple in Korea, Seokgatap of Bulgungsa Temple in China and Ojungtap of Beobryungsa Temple in Japan which were constructed with pure wooden structure. This study demonstrated that corner bracket set played a pivotal role in keeping balance of concentrated load of corner (corner of opening) in each floor that contributed to the stability of wooden pagoda structurally despite multiple duplications of floors and also figured out the outfit of corner bracket set was subject to the floor type and the cross section of Gongpo installed on top of Pyeongju. Wooden pagodas in 3 countries were two floor types of octagon and square, and employed different connection method between upper and lower floors. The difference between floor and duplication method determines the method of corner, but even different methods were sufficient to have entirety in every side by completing dynamic principle of corner bracket set even though old method had to solve the problem of concentrated load and it also confirms that it was essential Gongpo to prevent any deformation of corner.

• The Research Journal of the Costume Culture
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• v.25 no.5
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• pp.611-628
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• 2017

As a plan for establishing Korea's cultural identity and its competitive edge in the world market and for enhancing Korea's cultural status, creative and unique high value-added cultural products need to be developed utilizing our inherent cultural assets. Accordingly, this study focused on the development of the design of fashion cultural products that utilize the convergence of Hangeul our peculiar font style and Korea's cultural heritage, which is registered as part of UNESCO's World Heritage. A design method was devised that converges archetypal images of cultural property with the unique Hangeul font in a way that targets Korea's symbolic architectures. The symbolic architecture includes Korea's world-heritage pagoda architecture, such as Seokgatap pagoda and Dabotap pagoda at Bulguksa temple. It also included the architecture of royal palace, such as Injeongjeon hall at Changdeokgung palace. Finally, it also included the architecture of the fortress wall, such as Paldalmun gate in Hwaseong fortress. Thus, by developing cultural assets made from a convergence between architecture and the Hangeul font as a consumer-product image that has universality, the possibility of cultural products was pursued by applying color planning after an analysis that involved extracting the compositional colors of the flags of the world. This research and approach will lead to opportunities for further progress for Korea's cultural products in the global market as a results of additional recognition for their value, excellence, and universal appeal.