Flagpole Supports at Suksusa Temple Site, Yeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.59

Category

Architecture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

영주시, 경상북도— 경북 영주시 순흥면 내죽리 158번지

Coordinates

36.924223, 128.579601

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 flagpole supports are situated in the pine forest at the entrance to Sosuseowon, a Confucian academy of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Judging from many relics scattered about the site, it appears that Suksusa Temple was once located here. It is believed the temple was established in the early Unified Silla and survived until the Goryeo Dynasty, before finally being demolished to make way for the Sosuseowon. The centers on the outer sides of the supports are carved with long slim pillar patterns that also hollow from 1.7 meter to 2.34 meter below from the top. It seems like making a hole to fix a flagpole. The long pillar patterns taper towards the top, and the edges of the heads are rounded. There is a groove inside the top of support which served to maintain the flagpole in a stable position. The base stone (situated between the supports) on which the flagpole rested is missing, and instead one large stone rests on the supports now. The simplicity of the stone-carving technique suggests that these supports were made during the Unified Silla Period.

Location