Jangseung (Korean tradition)

In Korean folklore, a jangseung is not an entity in and of itself, but rather a physical object that serves as a guardian or tutelary deity for a village.

A jangseung is typically a wooden totem pole, often with carvings or figures on it, serving as a visible boundary marker for villages and a deterrent to potential threats.

As a guardian, the jangseung is believed to ward off evil spirits or demons, implying that it has both symbolic and physical significance. Its presence serves as a reminder of the importance of communal security and well-being in traditional Korean culture.