Stone Guardian Posts of Bulhoesa Temple, Naju

These are two stone jangseung standing at the entrance to Bulhoesa Temple in Naju. Jangseung are a form of folk belief, guardian posts erected at the entrance to villages or temples to mark the boundary and, at the same time, to keep out evil spirits; these jangseung likewise serve as guardian deities barring impurity from entering the temple precinct. Bulhoesa Temple was founded in the Unified Silla period and sits in a gorge backed by high mountains. Standing facing each other on either side of the road about 300m in front of the temple, the two posts are distinguished as male and female figures. The male post has deep, clear-cut lines and a carved beard, and on its head appears something like a topknot. At the corners of its mouth, fangs project sharply downward, and on the body is carved the name "Hawondang-janggun" (下元唐將軍). The female post has a gentler expression than the male, rendered in shallower lines. Its face bears a smile, and on the body is the name "Jujanggun" (周將軍) — originally "Sangwonjujanggun" (上元周將軍). Both posts have large, round eyes and a rounded, fist-like nose. At first glance they resemble the dol hareubang stone figures of Jeju Island, and they are also similar in appearance to the stone jangseung of Unheungsa Temple in Naju. The stone jangseung of Bulhoesa Temple, Naju, are estimated to have been made around 1719, the 45th year of King Sukjong; as symbolic sculptures blending folk shamanistic belief with Buddhist faith, their fierce yet comical appearance gives them an endearing familiarity.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Naju, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

National Folklore Heritage · 국가민속문화유산