Silsangsa Temple實相寺

Jangseung are a form of folk belief, erected at village or temple entrances to mark boundaries and serve as guardian deities preventing evil spirits from entering. The stone jangseung of Silsangsa Temple in Namwon are stone guardians protecting Silsangsa Temple. Originally, there were four of them along the stream. However, one was swept away during a flood in 1936, leaving only three today. The remaining three jangseung are named 'Daejanggun', 'Onghogumsachukgwijanggun', and 'Sangwonjujanggun', respectively. All three jangseung exhibit a similar style, wearing hats on their heads, with protruding round eyes, snub noses, and large ears. Inscriptions carved on the jangseung indicate that they were erected in the same period, in 1725 (the 1st year of King Yeongjo of Joseon). Jangseung are typically arranged as male and female figures to achieve yin-yang harmony, but all the jangseung here are in male form. Far from having fierce expressions to ward off ghosts, these jangseung are rather humorous and comical. In addition to Silsangsa Temple, nearby attractions include Jirisan Sannaedeul Pension Campsite and Jirisan National Park, which can be visited together.