Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Geumosan Mountain, Gumi

This carving of a standing Buddha is presumed to have been made during the Goryeo period (918-1392).

Usually, when Buddhist carvings are made on natural rock, they are carved in relief on a flat surface, but this carving is located on a protruding corner, which is highly unusual and gives the carving a more three-dimensional appearance.

The Buddha is depicted atop a pedestal with lotus petal designs and has halos around his head and body. It has a large protuberance on the top of the head, which is a symbol of the Buddha's wisdom. The three creases encircling his neck represent the "three destinies" of afflictions, actions, and suffering. His left hand reaches down toward the ground with the palm facing outward, which indicates his will to fulfill the wishes of all living beings. The carving measures 5.5 m in height.

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