Gapsa Iron Flagpole and Support Pillars (Gongju)

About this place

The Gapsa Iron Flagpole (danggan) and Support Pillars (danggan jiju), designated as a Treasure, are the iron mast and flanking pillars for hanging ritual banners. A danggan is a flagpole erected in front of a temple to hoist a banner (dang) representing the dignity and merit of Buddha or Bodhisattvas and warding off evil. The danggan jiju are the two supporting pillars that hold the flagpole in place from left and right. The Gapsa iron flagpole consists of 24 iron cylinders, each 50 cm in diameter, joined together to a total height of approximately 15 m. However, four cylinders broke in 1893, reducing its height. This flagpole and pillar complex is estimated to date from the Unified Silla period based on the fact that Gapsa was one of the Ten Great Temples of the Huayan school championed by the monk Uisang, and from the sculpted decoration on the side of the base stone. The iron flagpole of Gapsa, preserved in its intact form, is a precious resource for studying the form of danggan. The temple is situated on the northwestern flank of Gyeryongsan Mountain amid old pines and zelkova forests. It is located 19 km from Gongju and is about 3 hours on foot from Donghaksa. As the saying 'Spring Magoksa, Autumn Gapsa' implies, the autumn foliage at Gapsa is spectacularly beautiful. Founded in the first year of King Guisin of Baekje (420) by monk Ado Hwasang from Goguryeo, it was known as Gyeryong Gapsa, Gapsa, Gapsa-sa, and Gyeryongsa, and was one of the Ten Great Huayan Temples of the Unified Silla period.