Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan

When the Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan, was made and named a Treasure

Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan is thought to have been made around the 10th century, and it was designated a Treasure in 1963. It mixes transitional elements into the typical structure of Unified Silla stone lanterns: the pillar of the base stone is square, but the light chamber stone is 8-sided. It did not stand here from the start. It was moved to what is now Balsan-ri, Gaejeong-myeon, during the Japanese colonial period. ^{source 1}

Dragon carvings on the base pillar of the Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan

The distinctive feature of the Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan, is the dragon carving on its base pillar. The four corners of the square pillar were rounded off to form dragons. The lantern is made up of a base stone, a light chamber, a roof stone and a pedestal for the top ornament. ^{source 1}

The 8-sided light chamber of the Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan, has four windows and the Four Heavenly Kings

The light chamber of the Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan, is 8-sided, with four windows and figures of the Four Heavenly Kings alternating on its eight faces. The Four Heavenly Kings, guardians of the Buddhist teaching, symbolically protect the lamp. The 8-sided roof stone has crisp corners and curved eaves. The lotus-decorated pedestal for the top ornament survives, but the original top ornament is lost. ^{source 1}

The Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan, is free and open all year, with parking

Stone Lantern in Balsan-ri, Gunsan is always open, so you can see it any day of the year, and admission is free. Parking is available. For inquiries, contact the Gunsan City Hall Culture and Arts Division (063-454-3921). The address is 43 Bareume-gil, Gaejeong-myeon, Gunsan-si. ^{source 2}

1Gunsan City Culture and Tourism2Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI