Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Bukji-ri, Bonghwa

Great temple, called Hanjeol' in Silla, was located in Bukji-ri, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Province with 27 small temples around, so that about 500 monks led ascetic lives here. After digging rock wall for setting up the Buddha statue and building a huge place, this 4.3 meters high Maae

Bodhisattva was carved visibly. A round and big face with an innocent smile looked massive and realistic.

Although it shrugged its shoulders, it was magnificently built. Covering both shoulders, robe made bold U' shaped pleats on the chest and came down to the pedestal through its arms. The right hand was raised up to the chest, while the left hand, giving a greater solemn impression, lied on the lap. For the backside of the Buddha image, there was a mandorla divided into'nimbus around the head, the body and a changed Buddha in many places. On the center of the nimbus round the head, elaborated lotus designs were carved. It seemed like that it was made in the late seventh century, judging from its gentle image on the face and body. With the three-seated Buddha(Treasure) in Gaheung-dong, Yeongju, this work left its mark in history as a typical Buddha in Yeongju and Bonghwa at that time.

Source: Korea Heritage Service signboard ↗ · collected 2026-10-08