Rock-carved Seated Bodhisattva Triad in Nangsan Mountain, Gyeongju

This rock carving depicts a Buddhist triad consisting of Ksitigarbha (Bodhisattva of Great Vows) seated in the center with a guardian deity to each side. It is presumed to date to the Unified Silla period (668-935). The rock face upon which the carving is made is ragged and has deep cracks, making the carving difficult to see with the naked eye.

Ksitigarbha is said to have taken on the responsibility of rescuing unfortunate beings from hell and vowed to postpone Buddhahood until all beings are saved from the world of suffering. He is depicted with defined cheekbones and a smile. He wears a cap on his head and a robe draping over each shoulder. The guardian deities are depicted wearing armor and are seated facing toward Ksitigarbha. The guardian deity on the left holds a sword in his right hand, while the one on the right holds a weapon in each hand.

Depictions, such as this one, of a Buddhist triad consisting of a bodhisattva in the center with attendant guardian deities are rare, as Buddhist triads usually consist of a buddha in the center with attendant bodhisattvas.

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