Stone Standing Buddha at Yongdamsa Temple Site, Namwon

Yongdamsa Temple is said to have been founded during the reign of King Seong of Baekje. According to legend, a giant serpent lived in the deep waters of the Yongdamcheon stream and caused all manner of trouble; to subdue it, State Preceptor Doseon founded a temple at the end of the Silla period and named it Yongdamsa, after which the serpent's misdeeds ceased. As if in support of the legend, the Daeungjeon Hall of the temple faces north, looking towards the Yongdamcheon. This is a massive stone standing Buddha, its figure and halo carved in high relief from a single stone, standing 6 m tall. The topknot-shaped protuberance on the crown of the head is high and large, and although the face is not entirely clear due to damage to the stone, it conveys a vigorous, powerful expression. The neck bears samdo, three formally carved folds representing the three stages of enlightenment. The shoulders and chest are broad, and the legs appear as strong as stone pillars. The halo, representing the light radiating from the Buddha's whole body, is badly broken in many places, but traces of carved flame patterns remain here and there. The pedestal on which the statue stands is oval and made from a huge natural stone left in its original form. This Buddha follows the tradition of colossal statues that was popular in the early Goryeo period, and it is regarded as the finest work of its age.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Namwon, Jeonbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물