There are various animal-shaped roof ornaments and decorative figures on traditional Korean buildings. These include yongdu (dragon-head ornaments), chwidu (eagle head roof tiles), chimi (eagle tail roof tiles), and japsang, a group of small guardian figures place along the roof ridges.

According to Sangwado, an illustrated record of roof tiles and ornaments housed at the Academy of Korean Studies, ten guardian figures may be placed in order along the roof ridge: Daedangsabu, Sonhaengja, Jeopalgye, Sahwasang, Igbak, Iguryong, Mahwasang, Samsalbosal, Cheonsangap, and Natodu. In practice, three figures are commonly placed on a roof and an odd number of figures is used.

These roof ornaments and figures served not only as decorative elements expression the dignity and status of a building, but also as symbolic guardians believed to ward off evil spirits and misfortune.