Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Bulgok Valley of Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

Basic information

Designation

Treasure No.198

Category

Sculpture

Era

삼국시대

Designated year

1963

Location

경주시, 경상북도— 경북 경주시 인왕동 산56번지

Coordinates

35.819011, 129.230474

This rock-carved seated Buddha was carved into a one-meter-deep stone aperture in a rock at the eastern foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju. The head of the Buddha, which appears to be wearing a hood that covers its ears, is looking downwards; and a smile beams right across the round face, with its slightly swollen eyes and deep mouth. In this regard, it is similar to the Seated Stone Buddha in Inwang-ri, although it has a more beautiful feminine posture overall. The clothing hanging from both shoulders to the pedestal is beautifully carved, like a wave pattern, forming an attractive harmony with the Buddha’s entire body. This rock-carved Buddha statue, the oldest of the Silla statues on Namsan Mountain, is assumed to have been made during the late Three Kingdoms Period. The valley is called Buddha's Valley owing to the presence of this Buddha statue.

Location