Jeogchun Sa 적천사, a Buddhist temple, located in the south of Gyeongsan 경산 was established in 664 AD and has been renovated several times. Many Buddhist monks had lived and meditated here under the great Seon masters since its foundation.
When Japanese invaded Joseon in 1664 and marched north, they burnt and destroyed this temple totally. Later this temple was rebuilt at the same site.
There are usually four statues of fierce looking guards at the gate of Korean Buddhist temple, which derive from Buddhist tradition. Buddhists believe that these mystic guards prevent devils from entering temples from four directions and protect Buddhists from devils. The picture above is about 400 year old statues at the gate of Jeogchun Sa.
You can see some small statues trampled under guards' feet. They are described as Japanese pirates. Japanese pirates had brutally plundered the towns along the southern coast of Korea for a long time, so they were regarded as another form of devils.
You can see some small statues trampled under guards' feet. They are described as Japanese pirates. Japanese pirates had brutally plundered the towns along the southern coast of Korea for a long time, so they were regarded as another form of devils.
