24 December 2013

On visiting the Gyeongbok Palace (Gyeongbokgung) in Seoul, I happened to notice some mysterious figurines on the corners of the roof, especially for the larger buildings.  Intrigued, I investigated a little further and found that these are traditional Korean figures called Japsang (잡상).

The figures depict the grandeur of the building (more Japsang means the building is of higher importance), as well as the shamanistic beliefs that these figurines work to ward off evil spirits. This notion was apparently derived from the characters of a traditional Chinese story called “Journey To The West”, which follows the adventures of Monk Xanzang, a Bhuddist monk who went to India in search of sacred writings.

There are about ten guardians, which are placed in a specific order on the sloping roof and always arranged in odd numbers.

Some of the most important characters are:

• Monk Xanzang, the main character
• Sonojeong, The Monkey King
• Jeopalgye, the Pig Monster
• Saojeong, the Half-Water Demon
• Iguryong, Double-mouthed Dragon.
• Mahwasang, Horse
• Cheonsangap, Pangolin

Another example of just how much the Korean culture has been influenced by the Chinese nation, even though most are loathe to admit it.