Around Silsangsa Temple

Silsangsa Temple

Jangseungs are a form of folk belief, erected at the entrance of villages or temples to mark boundaries and act as guardians to ward off evil spirits. The stone Jangseung at Namwon Silsangsa Temple are stone guardians protecting Silsangsa Temple. Originally, there were four of them by the stream, but one was swept away in a flood in 1936, leaving only three. The remaining three Jangseungs are named 'Daejanggun' (Great General), 'Onghoguemsachukgwijanggun' (Guardian General Expelling Evil Spirits), and 'Sangwonjujanggun' (Upper Primary General), respectively. All three Jangseungs exhibit similar styles, wearing hats on their heads, with protruding round eyes, large noses, and big ears. Records carved on the Jangseungs indicate they were all erected in the same period, 1725 (the first year of King Yeongjo of Joseon). Jangseungs are usually arranged as male and female to achieve harmony of yin and yang, but here all the Jangseungs are male figures. Far from being fearsome, the expressions of these spirit-expelling Jangseungs are rather humorous and comical. In addition to Silsangsa Temple, nearby attractions include Jirisan Sannae Deul Pension Campsite and Jirisan National Park, allowing for combined tourism.