Flagpole Supports at Gulsansa Temple Site, Gangneung

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.86

Category

Architecture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

강릉시, 강원특별자치도— 강원 강릉시 구정면 학산리 1181번지

Coordinates

37.707306, 128.891837

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.

Location