Stone Guardian Posts of Silsangsa Temple, Namwon

Jangseung are a form of folk belief, guardian posts erected at the entrance to villages or temples, marking the boundary while also serving as guardian deities to keep out evil spirits. The three stone jangseung at the entrance to Silsangsa Temple likewise appear to have been erected both to mark the boundary and to keep impurity from entering the temple grounds. The stone jangseung on the village side, before crossing Haetalgyo Bridge over the Mansucheon stream, is Onghogeumsachukgwijanggun (擁護金沙逐鬼將軍); immediately after crossing Haetalgyo Bridge, two stone jangseung stand facing each other on either side of the road. The one by the edge of the paddy field on the right is Sangwonjujanggun (上元周將軍), and the one standing beneath the old tree on the left is Daejanggun (大將軍). All three stone jangseung are of much the same appearance, wearing a beotgeoji (a rounded felt hat) on the head, with large round eyes and a blunt, fist-like nose. Two upper fangs protrude, giving them a fearsome look, but the smile at the corners of their mouths reveals a gentle nature. A long beard is carved on each, and on their bodies are inscribed, respectively, the names Sangwonjujanggun, Daejanggun, and Onghogeumsachukgwijanggun. However, since their beards curve in opposite directions, Sangwonjujanggun and Daejanggun seem to represent a symmetrical pair. Inscriptions on the base stone of Daejanggun and on the back of Sangwonjujanggun show that the stone jangseung of Silsangsa Temple were erected in 1725, the first year of King Yeongjo of Joseon, and in 1731, his seventh year.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Namwon, Jeonbuk

Designation

National Folklore Heritage · 국가민속문화유산