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Flagpole Supports at Gulsansa Temple Site, Gangneung

강릉 굴산사지 당간지주 ( 江陵 崛山寺址 幢竿支柱 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Flagpole Supports at Gulsansa Temple Site, Gangneung
Quantity 1 pair of flagpole supports
Designated Date 1963.01.21
Age Unified Silla
Address 1181, Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-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. Standing on the site of Gulsansa Temple, founded in 847 (the ninth year of the reign of King Munseong of the Silla Dynasty), these flagpole supports are the largest in Korea. It is said that National Preceptor Beomil founded the temple to keep his promise to a Buddhist monk who had asked him, while he was in China, to build a house for him in his hometown. These two supports are unadorned. Tool marks are visible near the base of each support. The grooves near the top and the base of each support are part of a system for holding the flagpole. The top of the south support is slightly damaged. The overall structure is unsophisticated, but its immense size lends it an air of grandeur.