Flagpole Supports at Gulsansa Temple Site, Gangneung

These are the largest flagpole supports in Korea, standing on the old site of Gulsansa Temple, which was founded in 847, the ninth year of King Munseong of Silla, by State Preceptor Beomil. According to tradition, the temple was built because, while State Preceptor Beomil was studying in Tang China, a monk who had lost his left ear asked him to build a house for him in his hometown. When a temple held a ceremony, a banner called a dang was hung at its entrance; the pole from which the banner was hung is called a danggan, and the two stone pillars that support this pole on either side are called danggan-jiju, or flagpole supports. Erected in front of temples, they also served to mark the boundary of sacred ground. All four sides of the two supports are plain, without any carving, and the rough marks left from working the stone remain on their base. Holes for fixing the flagpole survive in two places, upper and lower, and the tops taper to a point; the tip of the southern support is slightly damaged. Overall the supports are plain in design, but their great size gives them a grand and imposing beauty.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Gangneung, Gangwon

Designation

Treasure · 보물