Hama Stele of Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeonju

The Hama Stele of Gyeonggijeon Shrine, Jeonju was first erected in 1614, the sixth year of King Gwanghaegun, when Gyeonggijeon Shrine was rebuilt after the Japanese invasions, and was recarved in 1856, the seventh year of King Cheoljong. The stele is inscribed with the phrase "jichagaehama jabinmudeukip," meaning that on reaching this point all must dismount from their horses, regardless of rank or social status, and that unauthorised persons are forbidden to enter. Unlike most hama steles, markers instructing riders to dismount before entering a sacred or official precinct, the Gyeonggijeon example has an unusual form: the inscribed stone is set upon a stone slab, which is in turn borne on the backs of two carved lions (or haetae, mythical guardian lion-like creatures). This is thought to convey not merely the instruction to dismount but also the meaning of guarding Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Such a form is rarely seen elsewhere, giving the stele artistic value as well as symbolic significance, and it indirectly shows, both in form and content, the importance of Gyeonggijeon Shrine.

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Where it is

Region

Jeonju, Jeonbuk

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산