Iron Flagpole of Gapsa Temple, Gongju

When a temple held an event, a flag called a dang was hung at its entrance on a pole known as a danggan, and the two stone pillars supporting the pole on either side were called danggan jiju (flagpole supports). Standing on the south-eastern slope of Gapsa Temple, this flagpole is the only surviving example from the Unified Silla period. The iron flagpole rises high above a base carved on all four sides with cloud designs, and is supported on either side by flagpole support pillars. The pole is made of 24 connected iron cylinders; it originally had 28, but four were lost when it was struck by lightning in 1893, the thirtieth year of Emperor Gojong. The two support pillars stand facing each other, east and west, with a plain, unadorned appearance. The tops of the pillars form a gentle curve, and holes bored through their inner faces hold the pole firmly in place. The curve of the pillar tops and the simple carving of the base harmonise well, giving an impression that is both plain and dignified. It is said to have been erected in 680, the twentieth year of King Munmu, during the early Unified Silla period, but there is no firm evidence for this; on stylistic grounds it is thought to reflect the style of the mid-Unified Silla period.

AI Translation

Visiting

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Individuals - Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won<br> Groups - Adults 2,500 won / Teenagers 1,000 won / Children 500 won<br><br> * Groups - 30 people or more

Parking

Available (Paid parking lot)

Information

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 <br> (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)<br> • For more info: +82-41-857-8981

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Gongju, Chungnam

Designation

Treasure · 보물