Iron Flagpole of Gapsa Temple, Gongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.256

Category

Architecture

Era

통일신라시대

Designated year

1963

Location

공주시, 충청남도— 충남 공주시 계룡면 중장리 58번지 갑사

Coordinates

36.364761, 127.185395

Flagpole is a long pole to hold a flag used for special occasions at a Buddhist temple. Located on the southeastern part of the Gapsa Temple, this pole is the only one made during the Unified Silla period. The base decorated with the cloud design on all four sides is designed to hold the iron pole, which were made by connecting 24 iron cylinders. Originally there were 28 cylinders but four of them were reportedly broken off by lightning strike in 1893 (30th year of King Gojong of Joseon). The flagpole supports, erected to face each other east to west, are simple in design and without any particular decoration. The top of each pole is rounded off, and has holes to set up the banner poles in place. The round tops and the simple design of the base give good balance to the structure.

Location