The Wooden Ksitigarbha Triad and Ten Underworld Kings of Dalseongsa Temple in Mokpo

The Buddha statues of Dalseongsa Temple such as the wooden Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad and the Siwangsang are located in Myeongbujeon of Dalseongsa Temple.

These statues were built in the 20th year of King Myeongjong’s reign(1565) by 5 sculptor monks, including Hyangeom. Theses are large-scale Buddha statues consisting of 19 statues, including Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad, Siwangs, judges and messengers. It was reconstructed in 1719(The 45th year of King Sukjong’s reign).

The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad is placed on the Buddhist altar in the center of Myeongbujeon with three Siwangs each on the left and right front walls, and two Siwangs each on the left and right side walls. Among the statues made before the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, these are the only works that have both the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Triad and the Shiwangsang. The Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Statue has a posture with its right leg half-crossed on its left knee.

This is a rare form found in the early Joseon Period, such as in the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Muwisa Temple and the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva of Cheongnyangsa Temple, and is excellent in scarcity and sculpture value. It is a work that stands out with neat and realistic body expression and elegant formality. Original prayer texts for both its construction and reconstruction remain, which makes it further important in the history of Buddhist sculpture.

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