Anseong Juksan-ri Dangganjiju

The site of Bongeopsa Temple (奉業寺址), where the Anseong Juksan-ri Dangganjiju stands, was confirmed through multiple excavations to have been founded as Hwachasa Temple (華次寺) in the late Silla period, and then greatly expanded and renamed Bongeopsa Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty, flourishing at that time. Currently, the Dangganjiju is located in the same space as the five-story stone pagoda, but it is not known exactly whether this is its original location. The Dangganjiju consists of two pillars facing each other east and west, carved identically like square pillars. Chisel marks remain on each side, showing a rough technique. The corners of the Dangganjiju are beveled to soften them, and the tops are carved to curve outward from the inside, revealing some decorative skill. There are no particular marks on the inner faces of the pillars, and a square hole (gangu) is carved at the top to insert a connecting bar to secure the flagpole. Thus, the Anseong Juksan-ri Dangganjiju is roughly carved and not neatly finished overall. However, its considerable size and the fact that it appears to have been made during the major expansion of Bongeopsa Temple suggest it was erected in the early Goryeo period. Although the base cannot be confirmed, this Dangganjiju is a material that shows the changing trend of the Goryeo era toward building stable and functional Dangganjiju rather than those with a refined and decorative appearance.

(Source: National Heritage Administration)