The park houses the largest collection of Jangseung in South Korea, including a 10-meter tall 'General of the Heavens' post.
Jangseung were traditionally placed at village entrances to serve as geographic markers and boundary signs.
The park is designed to showcase the diversity of totem styles from different provinces, ranging from fierce, wide-eyed figures to more humorous, smiling carvings.
The site hosts an annual cultural festival in spring focused on the carving and installation of new village guardians.
Many of the figures are carved from local pine trees sourced from the surrounding Chilgapsan forest.
Chilgapsan Jangseung Park is a specialized outdoor sculpture park dedicated to the preservation and display of traditional Korean village guardian posts known as jangseung. Located on the slopes of Chilgapsan Mountain, the park features over 70 distinct wooden totem poles carved in various regional styles from across South Korea. It serves as a central hub for the annual Chilgapsan Jangseung Culture Festival, which honors the folk tradition of using these carvings to ward off misfortune and invite communal prosperity. The park grounds integrate these carved figures into a forest setting, showcasing both historical reproductions and contemporary artistic interpretations. Visitors can observe the specific facial expressions and decorative patterns that differentiate regional Jangseung traditions.
The central plaza featuring the largest collection of diverse Jangseung totem faces.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as the park features uneven forest paths.
Bring insect repellent if visiting during the humid summer months.
Combine your visit with a hike up the nearby trails for a full day of outdoor activity.
Do not attempt to touch the wood surfaces excessively as natural oils and environmental exposure make them fragile.
Respect the sculptures as cultural heritage items; do not climb on the carvings.
