Day 5 - Totem poles
Day 5 - June 2007
Totem poles
We have all heard of gnomes in the garden but have you heard of Changseung at the gate? While on the way to Hahoe Folk village in Andong, Neville and Trevor could not help but to stop at what looked like a totem pole party.
A Changseung is a milepost or that is considered a guardian god for the village. They are now only found in rural areas, and is deeply rooted in Korea's shamanism culture with a 200 year old history.
They are displayed in twos, a male and a female, and sit at the entrance to an estate. Annually new Changseungs are made and displayed to ward off evil spirits, disease and misfortune.
It so happens that Queen Elizabeth and George Bush Senior had also visited this site, and within the restaurant of this totem pole parking lot, you will find photos from their visit. Also residing on the site is the creator of the Changseung, Kim Jong Heung. Very famous for his dramatic live performances, creating Changseungs on stage, Kim Jong Heung was currently away in Hong Kong doing just that.
Changseungs on display vary in price but are generally range from $3000-$5000 US dollars. But for those with a tighter budget, a lunch/dinner and a couple of quick photos surrounded in these unique wooden sculptures is just as memorable.
Location:
On the main road, on the way to Hahoe Folk Village.
Totem poles
We have all heard of gnomes in the garden but have you heard of Changseung at the gate? While on the way to Hahoe Folk village in Andong, Neville and Trevor could not help but to stop at what looked like a totem pole party.
A Changseung is a milepost or that is considered a guardian god for the village. They are now only found in rural areas, and is deeply rooted in Korea's shamanism culture with a 200 year old history.
They are displayed in twos, a male and a female, and sit at the entrance to an estate. Annually new Changseungs are made and displayed to ward off evil spirits, disease and misfortune.
It so happens that Queen Elizabeth and George Bush Senior had also visited this site, and within the restaurant of this totem pole parking lot, you will find photos from their visit. Also residing on the site is the creator of the Changseung, Kim Jong Heung. Very famous for his dramatic live performances, creating Changseungs on stage, Kim Jong Heung was currently away in Hong Kong doing just that.
Changseungs on display vary in price but are generally range from $3000-$5000 US dollars. But for those with a tighter budget, a lunch/dinner and a couple of quick photos surrounded in these unique wooden sculptures is just as memorable.
Location:
On the main road, on the way to Hahoe Folk Village.
AS SEEN ON 
