Bunhwangsa Stone Brick Pagoda, constructed in 634, is Korea's oldest stone pagoda. As a prototype of the Silla Stone Pagoda, the pagoda was constructed using flagstones. Since it was constructed with flagstones, it has been known to be a pagoda that replicates the brick pagoda until now. The latest research suggests that it copies the India Stupa or the Stacked Stone Pagoda more than the Brick Pagoda. However, the Bunhwangsa stone brick pagoda has a significant difference in terms of construction technique and shape compared to Brick Pagodas, India Stupas, and Stacked Stone Pagodas. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to the stone building technique used in Silla. Through this study, I would like to clarify that the Bunhwangsa stone brick pagoda is a stone pagoda that creatively reflects the existing Silla stone building techniques such as stone fortresses and stone chamber tombs.

This study tries to shed light on character and architectural features of the 2nd construction of Bunhwangsa temple in the mid-8th century. The site of Bunhwangsa Temple is divided into upper and lower areas based on retaining walls running from northwest to southeast, and the main area of the temple centered on Geumdang(the main hall) is located in the upper area. Space composition of the lower area including Wonji(a garden pond) and Gangdang(a lecture hall), is noteworthy in that Bunhwangsa Temple was constructed in a deviating way from rigorous constructional disciplines and used their space efficiently. The Geumdang in the 2nd construction was the largest worship hall with 7×6 bays. The hall was designed to divide its space into two ; the core space was surrounded by outer space. Each gap between columns in the hall was narrowed from center to outer. The main construction of the Geumdang was built as a stable structure with lead-to corridors. This was a much-advanced style than Geumdang at Hwangnyongsa Temple. The Gangdang is presumed to be a large building site as a typical Gangdang style in the Silla era. It was built in the late 9th century and was located in the northern part of the retaining walls. The composition of the middle gate and southern corridors were in double and long corridor style and they were located in front of the 2nd construction. This style coincided in the form of the architectural style of the Hwangnongsa Temple. The 2nd construction of the Bunhwangsa Temple was smaller than the Hwangnongsa Temple. However, it was a prestigious architecture.

This paper aimed to identify the architectural characteristics of the chimi excavated from ancient ruins, especially middle gate remains of Bunhwangsa Temple in the Unified Silla period. Middle gate had planned 3 × 2 with 295㎜ measuring unit and gabled building. Detailed study of the shape of chimi of the middle gate restored by related field experts reveals as follows. 1) Height of chimi is 4.5(130.6㎝) of Tang’s system of measurement classified as large one. 2) The front and back side square hole is made for transverse timber placement. 3) Position of chimi is not the end of the ridge of roof, it moved toward the center. 4) Construction method of chimi is structured with smaller beam and center column. 5) Width and height of the ridge is less than 38㎝ and 54㎝ to be approximately, Width and height of the gabled ridge is less than 38㎝ and 50㎝. 6) This chimi is considered to be very unique when compared to existing ancient restored chimis, it is designed to be advantageous to the chimi construction.