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Flagpole Supports at Mangdeoksa Temple Site, Gyeongju

경주 망덕사지 당간지주 ( 慶州 望德寺址 幢竿支柱 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Flagpole Supports at Mangdeoksa Temple Site, Gyeongju
Quantity 1 pair of flagpole supports
Designated Date 1963.01.21
Age Unified Silla
Address 964-2, Baeban-dong, Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Danggan were flagpoles on which flags (dang) were hoisted at the entrance of a temple to mark special occasions such as Buddhist ceremonies or prayers. The flagpoles were supported by two stone buttresses called dangganjiju.
These two flagpole supports were erected 65cm apart to the west of the Mangdeoksa Temple site. Although they are simple and unadorned, the rounded edges of the upper part of the supports add a slight decorative effect. The heads of the flagpole supports inclined outwardly by 6cm. The supports have rectangular holes for affixing the flagpole.
According to the record in Samguk yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms), the flagpole supports were erected in 685 (the fifth year of the reign King Sinmun of the Unified Silla), the year in which Mangdeoksa Temple was built.