Stone Standing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha in Pyeongchon-ri, Asan

The Stone Standing Bhaisajyaguru Buddha in Pyeongchon-ri, Asan is located at the site of a temple on the mid-slope of a hill. The lower part of the body is disproportionately long. The exquisite skill used in carving the face and the creases of the robe is particularly noteworthy.

The turban shell-shaped tufts of hair are displayed, along with a large-sized yukgye (protuberance on top of Buddha's head. The long ears drooping down to the shoulders make the statue look more benevolent. The fact that the lips are portrayed as being smaller than the other body parts is something noteworthy. The two hands clasped together close to the bosom, holding a medicine bowl, show that this is a representation of the Bhaisajyaguru Buddha. The symmetrical robe covering the entire body looks unique. The creases on the upper part of the robe display parallel lines, while the creases near the knees are expressed in concentric circles, a pattern that was prevalent during the Unified Silla Period (668 - 935), and are similar to those of the Maitreya Buddha Triad at Samhwaryeong Pass and the Stone Standing Buddha in Seokgyo-ri, Yeongju. (Treasure No. 116)

The realistic looking face displays the characteristic features of stone standing Buddhas of the Unified Silla Period. However, researchers think that this one was made during the Goryeo Period (877-1394) based on the formalized designs of the symmetrical robe creases, the short neck, the rather shrunken shoulders, and the upright stance.

Situated nearby is the Stele for the Construction of Yongdamsa Temple, which was founded by the Buddhist monk Wonhyo during the reign of King Aejang (r. 800-809) of Silla and reconstructed by the Buddhist monk Hyemyong during the reign of King Gwangjong (r. 949-975) of Goryeo.

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