Stone Flagpole Outside the East Gate, Naju

Flagpole supports are erected at the entrance to a temple. When a temple held a ceremony, a banner called a dang was hung, and the long pole from which it hung is called a danggan; the two stone posts that support the pole on either side are called danggan-jiju, or flagpole supports. In most cases only the two supporting posts survive, but here the flagpole itself also remains, making this an important relic. The flagpole is built up from five stones fitted together, thicker at the bottom and gradually tapering as it rises, giving it a sense of stability. An iron band was fastened around the flagpole, and it was fixed in place by boring a hole in the top surface of a support stone set on the inner side of the posts. Atop the flagpole are fitted an octagonal bogae, a canopy-shaped ornament, and a boju, an ornament shaped like a lotus bud. A flagpole is normally erected in front of a temple, but there is no historical record of a temple having stood at this site. It is said, however, in a tale linked with feng shui belief, that because the shape of Naju's land resembles that of a boat, the flagpole was erected here as a mast, to pray for the town's stability.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Naju, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Treasure · 보물