Rock-carved Buddha Triad and Seated Buddha in Gaheung-dong, Yeongju

This rock-carved buddha triad and seated buddha statue are presumed to date to the late 7th century during the Unified Silla period (668-935).

The triad is carved in relief into a large rock face and depicts a principal buddha flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas. The buddha is depicted in a seated position with a lotus-shaped pedestal below him and a halo with lotus and flame designs behind his head. Both of his hands are positioned with the palms facing outward, with his left hand facing downward and his right hand facing upward. This gesture symbolizes the fulfillment of the wishes of all living things. The face is overall square in shape and the nose is large. The protuberance at the top of the head is a symbol of the buddha’s wisdom. The bodhisattvas are depicted smaller than the buddha in a standing position. The bodhisattva on the right rests his left hand on his left shoulder and places his right arm at his waist. The bodhisattva on the left clasps a bottle of pure water (kundika) between his palms and wears a headdress.

The seated buddha statue, located to the right of the rock-carved buddha triad, was discovered in 2003 after heavy rains cause the bedrock to collapse. The statue was carved in relief into a niche in the rock face, which is thought to have helped prevent the statue from significant damage. The buddha is depicted seated atop a lotus-shaped pedestal. His right hand is held at the chest and his left hand rests on the lap, with both hands positioned with the thumbs and middle fingers touching. His face is severely eroded, but the three creases encircling the neck, which represent the “three destinies” of afflictions, actions, and suffering, remain visible. Behind the buddha’s head is a halo which represents an auspicious light emanating from his body.

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