Flagpole Supports of Guhwang-dong, Gyeongju

Flagpole supports are a pair of stone pillars that fastened a flagpole in place. Such flagpoles were used to mark Buddhist temple precincts by flying flags or to celebrate special events and large gatherings by hanging banners.

These flagpole supports are presumed to have been made in the early period of Unified Silla (668-935) as a part of Bunhwangsa Temple (Historic Site No. 548). They have a simple design without decoration. On the sides of each pillar, there are three round holes, each measuring 15 cm in diameter. Metal belts were inserted into these holes to secure the erected flagpole. At the base between the two pillars is a stone into which the flagpole would have been placed. This stone is shaped like a tortoise, which is an unusual design.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08