Geumsan Cheonaeri Dragon and Tiger Stones

About this place

These are two stone carvings depicting a dragon and a tiger respectively. The dragon stone (Yongseok) is located 100 m north of the Jewon Bridge over the Cheonaeri Stream to the west, and the tiger stone (Hoseok) is 500 m further north. The dragon stone features multiple spiral-shaped protrusions with a writhing dragon body carved between them, with gills and whiskers depicted on either side of its mouth holding a wish-granting jewel (yeouiju). The tiger stone depicts a tiger sitting with its front paws raised; convex curves and circles are carved to form the tiger's fur pattern. According to legend, King Gongmin, who fled to Andong during the Red Turban Rebel invasion at the end of Goryeo, designated the location for his own royal tomb and had these stones prepared, but left them behind when he returned to Gaegyeong (the capital). (Source: Geumsan-gun Tourism Website)