The Cultural Heritage Administration has designated the five-story stone pagoda at Magoksa Temple in Gongju as a National Treasure, the highest level of cultural heritage protection in South Korea. The temple is already part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sansa, Buddhist Mountain Monasteries in Korea."

The pagoda, constructed during the late Goryeo Dynasty, is a unique example of Korean Buddhist architecture. Its most distinctive feature is the 1.8-meter-tall gilded bronze pagoda, known as "pungmadong," placed atop the pagoda's roof. This double-tiered structure is a rare find in Korean stone pagodas and showcases the international exchange of Buddhist culture during that period.

The bronze pagoda replicates the style of Buddhist pagodas popular in the Yuan Dynasty of China, demonstrating a high level of craftsmanship and artistic achievement. The pagoda's construction date is uncertain, but based on its architectural style and decorative elements, it is estimated to have been built around the 14th century.

Several features of the pagoda, such as the double-tiered base and the intricate carvings on the pagoda's body, point to its construction during the late Goryeo period. The discovery of a crab-eye-shaped molding on the pagoda's foundation stone is particularly noteworthy, as it is the first of its kind found on an existing stone pagoda.

"We will continue to work closely with local governments and the temple to ensure the proper preservation and management of this newly designated National Treasure," said an official from the Cultural Heritage Administration.