Rock-carved Standing Buddha Triad at Gaseobam Hermitage Site, Geocheang

A Buddhist image carved on a wall in a big rock cave in the valley at the north of Geumwon mountain. Taking stone steps up at the rear of the Gaseup temple site, there is a rock cave and inside, three images of Buddha are carved on a rock facing south. The three images of Buddha are in a triangle in shape of a half sphere - the Buddha in the middle leading the two side Buddhas, they seem to be the Buddha of the Future in the middle, the Buddha of Medicine on the right and Jijang Buddha on the left.

The central Buddha on the lotus flower pedestal has a large face, a triangular nose, rather small eyes and mouth compared to the face, large but simple ears, thus giving an impression of Korean nativeness. The side Buddhas's faces are similar but they are wearing luxurious clothing making an ornate impression. The images are in bas-relief but in the whole rather flat. The schematic posture of the center Buddha, square shoulders, flat chest, arms awkwardly gathered at the breast, stick-like legs, and pigeon toed feet are characteristics of Buddha's image in the Goryeo period. The inscription on the right dated from 1111 C.E. [Goryeo, 6th year King Yejong] A temple is said to have existed until 1770 C.E. at this site and even some stone Material, seemingly from that era, have been found. A three story pagoda, originally at the temple, was moved to Wicheon Elementary school, and is believed to be from the Goryeo period. The three Buddhist images carved in the rock cliff and the Gaseop Buddhist temple site must have been a part of a temple during the Goryeo period.

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