Temple Jangseung

Gwanchoksa, Buyeo, Korea

Jangseung (also spelled Changseung and Changsung) are guardian spirit poles. Their faces may have either a fierce or a mild expression. They represent ancestral spirits, and are part of Korea's shamanistic tradition. Usually a pair (or larger group) of them is set in front of the village entrance, where they function protectively and also as boundary markers. Although jangseung are primarily village protectors, they may also be set up to protect a temple (as here), or other public places.