Ipseok in Gakgi-ri, Danyang

The Gakgi-ri Ipseok stand as a pair of standing stones of markedly different shape, showing a clear distinction of gender (a 'male rock' and a 'female rock') and corresponding formal features (one pointed, one rounded), together with cup-marks of various sizes — features that together show the typical form of an ipseok. As their state of preservation is very good, they are judged to provide important academic information for the study of megalithic culture, and it is considered appropriate to designate and manage them as a Provincial Monument, making use of them as material for education and research. Ipseok are one of the representative types of prehistoric megalithic culture; depending on each stone's location, shape and object of worship, they are understood to have served functions relating to fertility, to protection, or as tomb markers, and they are therefore important for the study of prehistoric life. At the entrance to Gakgi-ri village, on a raised patch of ground at the confluence of two streams, two ipseok stand facing north-west at 65°, spaced 17 m apart. Though differing in size and shape, both are well preserved. Ipseok No. 1 is triangular overall with a pointed tip, and is called the 'male rock'; Ipseok No. 2 is smaller, of even thickness, with a rounded top, and is called the 'female rock'. The Gakgi-ri Ipseok are notable for clearly showing this gender distinction and the related formal features (Ipseok No. 1 being the male stone, Ipseok No. 2 the female stone), and for the fact that the male stone is considerably larger than the female one — a point that invites comparison with other standing stones of the Namhan River basin. Both Ipseok No. 1 and No. 2 bear cup-marks, small hollows pecked and ground into the front face: 15 are found on No. 1 and 27 on No. 2, ranging in diameter from 2.0 to 12 cm. Both stones are of schist. Around Ipseok No. 1 in particular there is an oval platform measuring 400 × 350 × 60–75 cm, suggesting that rites were once performed there. Gakgi-ri is said to take its name from the fact that two rocks rise like horns in front of the village.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Danyang, Chungbuk

Designation

Provincial Monument · 시도기념물