Rock-carved Buddhas at Chilburam Hermitage in Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

To level the steep slope, stone terraces about 4 m high were built on the east and north to make an altar, on which the Buddhas of the four directions were set, and 1.74 m behind them a triad was carved on a screen of rock. The triad has a seated Buddha at the centre flanked by standing bodhisattvas. The principal Buddha, seated on a splendid lotus, shows the merciful power of the Buddha through a full face brimming with smiles and an ample, commanding posture. The robe, over the left shoulder only, clings to the body and renders its contours convincingly. The right hand rests on the knee with fingertips pointing to the ground, and the left rests at the belly. The two bodhisattvas are the same size and wear robes that wrap softly round their whole bodies. All three are commanding in build and excellently carved. The Buddhas of the four directions carved on the four faces of the other rock also sit on seats of bright lotus, their hand gestures differing by direction. They were probably originally housed in a built space, and roof-tile fragments suggesting the structure are still found around the site. The carving and style suggest that these seven Buddhas were made in the eighth century, in Unified Silla.

AI Translation

Visiting

Opening hours

06:00-18:00

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Free

Parking

Available

Information

+82-54-777-1330

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Gyeongju, Gyeongbuk

Designation

National Treasure · 국보