Stone Seated Buddha in Mireukgok Valley of Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

This stone statue depicts a seated buddha. It is presumed to date to the late 8th century during the Unified Silla period (668-935). The identity of the buddha is uncertain, but it is thought to possibly be Amitabha, the Buddha of the Western Paradise. The statue is located at what is presumed to be the former site of Borisa Temple and is considered the most well-preserved Buddhist statue on Namsan Mountain.

The buddha sits on a lotus pedestal with a halo behind him. The halo is made of a separate stone and is decorated with carvings of flowers, flames, and small buddhas. On the back of the halo is a relief carving of Bhaisajyaguru, the Medicine Buddha, which is a rare feature. The head of the main buddha is made of a separate stone from the body. He is depicted with curly hair and a large protuberance on the top of the head which symbolizes his wisdom. The jewel-like spot carved between his eyebrows is a tuft of white hair which symbolizes his mercy shining out to the world. His right hand reaches down toward the ground, and his left hand rests on his lap, indicating his defeat of worldly desires and his attainment of spiritual enlightenment. His robes drape over both shoulders and have tight folds.

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