Jungangtap Pagoda, Chungju

Naturehead · CC BY-SA 3.0

Korea's tallest stone pagoda, raised at what Silla reckoned to be the centre of its territory.

This seven-storey pagoda stands nearly fifteen metres, the tallest surviving stone pagoda in Korea, and its name — Jungangtap, the central pagoda — comes from Silla fixing this as the midpoint of its territory and marking it. Chungju was a crucial junction in that period: the Namhan river ran through it linking the interior with the capital, and the iron mines nearby supplied weapons. The pagoda stands on a broad lawn beside the river, now surrounded by an open-air sculpture park and a small museum. Late in the day its shadow stretches across the grass and there is almost nobody about.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Jungangtap Pagoda, Chungju?

April–June and September–November

How long do you need at Jungangtap Pagoda, Chungju?

1 hour

What are the opening hours of Jungangtap Pagoda, Chungju?

The park is open all day, year-round; the Chungju Museum and the Liquor Museum inside run 09:00–18:00

Did you know

About 14.5m tall, the tallest surviving stone pagoda in Korea.
Raised in the Unified Silla period, around the 8th–9th century.
The name means the pagoda at the centre of Silla's territory.
The grounds now hold a sculpture park and the Chungju museum.

Travel tips

Late afternoon has the best light and almost no visitors.
There is a riverside walking path along the Namhan beside the park.
Combine it with the Chungju Lake ferry pier, about 20 minutes away.

Source: https://access.visitkorea.or.kr/ms/detail.do?cotId=db6c28b7-4f93-42fd-8e80-56c5eaf9831e

Updated: 2026-08-05