Culture Heritage Site

The Iron Flagpole of Yongdusa Temple Site is a tangible cultural asset and the only National Treasure (41) in Cheongju. The iron pole is 65.5cm tall and 43cm wide with 20 joints. Originally, it had 30 joints and was 20m tall, with the head of a dragon on its top. It is highly appreciated that the cultural property preservation movement was started by NGOs and that the place has received proper maintenance such as the securing of protected areas, peripheral maintenance, and night lighting. The dragon was biting a magical jewel with a ring on it. There is an inscription on the surface of the third iron tub from the bottom which clearly says that the pole was erected in the 13th year of King Gwangjong’s reign in Goryeo in 962. The inscription includes the words ‘Junpung 148.’ Junpung was widely used as an original and independent era name in Goryeo. Therefore, the relic is a valuable cultural asset that shows its ethnic identity. But the size and the year of the demolition of Yongdusa Temple are not accurately known. The pole was erected to show the prestige and merit of Buddha and a flag was hung to emphasize the realization of justice. Such flagpoles were divided into iron flagpoles, stone flagpoles, and wooden flagpoles depending on the materials they were made of. Depending on the shapes of the head of the flagpole, they were called Yongdudang (the head of a dragon), Yeoidang or Manidang (magical jewel), or Indudang (the head of a person). Currently remaining flagpoles in Korea include an iron flagpole in Cheongju, an iron flagpole in Gapsa Temple in Gongju, a stone flagpole outside Dongmun in Naju, and the Stone Flagpole in Gaeksa-ri in Damyang. Among the four, only the flagpole in Cheongju has a clear year or erection.

* Cultural tourism interpreters are always available to explain about this cultural heritage.

Cheongju IC – Drive 10.47km along Cheongju Platanus Road - Turn right – Drive 343m along Sajik-daero 350beon-gil - Turn left – Drive 301m along Sangdang-ro 59beon-gil - Iron Flagpole of Yongdusa Temple Site