Stone Jangseung Guardian Posts of Namjangsa Temple

Jangseung are guardian posts set up at the entrance to a village or a temple to block evil spirits and misfortune and to mark the boundary and property of the temple; in villages they also serve as guardian deities. This stone jangseung standing at the entrance to Namjangsa Temple originally stood in Namjang-dong, but was moved to its present site in 1968 when a reservoir was built there. It stands 186 cm tall and was carved directly from a natural stone, retaining the stone's original shape. The face is tilted to one side, with large bulging eyes and upturned corners, a big fist-like nose, firmly closed lips, and fangs that extend downward. A single strand of beard runs down the chest, below which is carved the inscription 'Hawonjujanggun' (下元周將軍). Although the carver seems to have intended an angry expression, the result is better described as a masterpiece whose simplicity and innocence are more striking than its ferocity. Judging from the inscription 'imjin, erected in the ninth month' on the front of the post, together with the record on the plaque of Namjangsa's Geungnakbojeon Hall (built in 1856, the seventh year of King Cheoljong of Joseon), the jangseung is presumed to have been erected in 1832, the thirty-second year of King Sunjo. Since Namjangsa Temple has no Four Heavenly Kings, this jangseung appears to have been set up as a guardian deity to protect Namjang-dong.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Sangju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

Provincial Folklore Heritage · 시도민속문화유산