These two Jangseung figures are located at the entry to the sidewalk that leads to the Korean Friendship Bell in Angel's Gate Park at San Pedro. They are carved from round posts of wood.
They depict a man (L) and a woman (R) in traditional Korean headwear that dates from the Third Kingdom era. They are grinning, and have oversized ears. Words in Korean Hangul script extend vertically down the posts.
Blasterz were able to find out what the Korean Hangul inscriptions mean. The one on the left, on the male Jangseung, is "Great General Under Heaven". The inscription on the right, on the female Jangseung is "Great General under Earth."
A metal sign in English and Korean on the back of one of the poles reads as follows:
"Sculpted by Traditional Korean Totem Pole Master "Ta-Mok" Jong-heung Kim, and built by 1st Master Craftsman of Gyengsangbuk-do, :Chang-san Jae-chol Kim.
On the July 4th 2015
The 239th Independence Day
President of the Friendship Bell Protection Committee
Sang-Jun Park”
An internet search reveals that these kinds of figures, called "jangseung" are village guardian totems meant to protect Korean villages and bring good fortune.
From the powerpoint presentation "Jangseung: Spirit Poles of Korea" by Matthew Benuska: (
visit link)
"• Jangseung are Similar to Totem Poles of the American Indians of the Pacific Northwest
• Unlike Totem Poles, They do not Tell Stories
• Jangseung are Korean Guardian Spirit Poles
• They Protect Against Evil Spirits, Misfortune and Disease
• They are Placed at the Entrance to a Village or Temple, Stream, or Valley
• They Mark the Boundary between the Village and the Outside World
What do Jangseung Look Like?
• Made of Wood or Stone
• Four - Sixteen Feet Tall
• Human Images
• Grotesque or Exaggerated
Features
• Humorous or Frightening
Expressions"
• Their Eyes are Bulgy
• Their Nose is Lumpy and Large
• Their Mouth is Open, Showing Teeth
• They May Have Large Ears
• They May Wear a Hat or Headdress
• They are Sometimes Painted
• Jangseung Typically Come in Pairs
• There is a Male Jangseung (left)
• And a Female Jangseung (right)
• Jangseung are also Named
• The Male is Named “Great General Under Heaven” (?????)
• The Female is Named “Woman General Under Ground” (?????)
History of Jangseung
• The Tradition of Jangseung is More than 2,000 Years Old
• Jangseung were Once Considered Deities
• Now They are Mostly Decorative
• They are Erected during Community Celebrations and Festivals"