Gukjangsaeng Stone Boundary Marker of Tongdosa Temple, Yangsan

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.74

Category

Sculpture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

양산시, 경상남도— 경남 양산시 하북면 백록리 718-44번지

Coordinates

35.473939, 129.086521

Situated about 4km southeast of the temple, this boundary marker with an inscription on its rough surface is one of twelve stone boundary markers (gukjangsaeng) erected to demarcate the boundary of Tongdosa Temple. Gukjangsaeng were generally erected by order of the national government. Stone boundary markers serve as guardian gods, markers, and landmarks, and are deeply connected with folk religion and the theory of geomancy. The stone boundary marker at Tongdosa Temple appears to have been erected to protect the temple from harm as well as serving as a boundary post. Erected in 1085 (the second year of the reign of King Seonjong of the Goryeo Dynasty), this marker contains an inscription stating that it was erected at the order of the national government, and an epigraph in Idu, a writing system in which Chinese characters were borrowed to express Korean sounds. This invaluable information sheds light on the relationship between the government and temples.

Location