Flagpole Supports at Cheonheungsa Temple Site, Cheonan

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.99

Category

Architecture

Era

고려시대

Designated year

1963

Location

천안시, 충청남도— 충남 천안시 서북구 성거읍 천흥4길 115-5 (천흥리)

Coordinates

36.872205, 127.213630

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 located in Cheonheung-ri Village of Cheonan City, originally belonged to Cheonheungsa Temple, which was built in 921 (the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty). The two supports were erected 60m apart on a double-tiered stone foundation, which has been restored. The foundation is engraved with panel decoration designs. The base laid between the two supports to secure the flagpole has been lost. Although it has no significant decoration, the inside of the upper part of each support has square holes which served to secure the flagpole. The outside of the supports are engraved with a vertical line. These support structures were probably built sometime in the first half of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), but the designs and overall workmanship reflect the typical style of stone work made during the Unified Silla Dynasty (668-935). As an inscription on a bronze bell excavated at this site indicates that the bell was cast in 1010 (the first year of the reign of King Hyeonjong of Goryeo Dynasty), it is believed that these flagpole supports were also erected at the time the temple was built, which must have coincided with the casting of the bell.

Location