Hwangnyong Temple with Golden Guardian Dragon

[Narration]
What do you think this huge vertical structure is? Any guesses?

[Visitor]
Well, this is the Hall of Hwangnyong Temple, so it must be something related to the temple, right? Is that a statue in the temple yard? It looks like an abstract sculpture.

[Narration]
This is called a chimi (mangsae), which means a ridge-end ornament tile. It was originally on the corner of the roof at the main hall of Hwangnyong Temple. The dovetail design is believed to keep evil spirits away, just like the gargoyles of gothic cathedrals in the Middle Ages.

[Visitor]
Awesome! But isn’t it too big to put on the roof? It’s huge!

[Narration]
Hwangnyong Temple was the biggest temple in Silla, so its main hall was huge. This tile is famous for being the biggest and most brilliant ridge-end ornament tile made during the Three Kingdoms Period. And it has another interesting feature. Take a look at the back of the tile and tell me what you see.

[Visitor]
Oh, the faces! How wonderful!

[Narration]
Yes, you are right. Small, smiling faces are hidden there as if playing hide-and-seek. You can see the passion and delicacy of Silla artisans in the intricate details of the tile.