Stone Boundary Marker of Tongdosa Temple, Yangsan

This is one of twelve boundary markers (jangsaengpyo) erected around Tongdosa Temple to indicate the temple's boundary, standing about 4km southeast of the temple. The name gukjangsaeng means a boundary marker erected by royal command, and the inscription is carved into the rough, natural surface of the stone. A jangsaeng serves as a guardian spirit, milestone and boundary marker, and is closely tied to geomantic theory as well as folk belief; this particular marker appears to have functioned as both a boundary marker and a protective device. It was made in 1085, the second year of King Seonjong of Goryeo, and its inscription, written partly in idu, a system for writing Korean using Chinese characters, records that it was erected upon receiving a royal directive, making it important evidence of the relationship between the state and the temple.

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Where it is

Region

Yangsan, Gyeongnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물