Stone Standing Bodhisattva in Sangnim-ri, Geochang

At 3.05 meters tall, this Gwaneum Bodhisattva statue sculpted from granite rock, is captured standing on an octagonal lotus pedestal. It is shown to be bolding a lotus flower bud in its left hand, which is raised over its abdomen and is lightly grasps a flask in its right hand, which is laid on the side of the right leg. Its stone pillar like body, which is dimly visible, has high shoulders, thin long arms, and flat chest. A high burn on its head seems to indicate that it had its own crown. It is obvious for its localized appearance, not having chic and smoothy surface such as the gloomy impression on its long face, and three double lines on the neck. On the upper part of the body hangs clothes worn across the chest, from the loft shoulder to the right side of the waist. On both shoulders hang vestments like a shawl, and on the waist hangs a skirt fastened with a thick belt. Considering the short skirt on the belt and formal U-shaped folds of the clothes, it is shown as a Goryeo Buddha Statue which has inherited a Bodhisattva statue of Unified Silla Kingdom.

This statue is believed to have been originally enshrinedin geonheung temple near Geochang. It is comparatively bigin size for Korea Budda statue remaining in GyeongsangArea. It has significant value to cultural heritage to show korean Buddhist sculpture trends well.

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