Rock-carved Seated Buddha of Beopjusa Temple, Boeun

Beopjusa Temple was founded in 553, the 14th year of King Jinheung, by the monk Uisin, and was rebuilt in 776, the 12th year of King Hyegong, by the monk Jinpyo; thereafter, under Jinpyo's disciples, it became a central place of worship for Maitreya, the future Buddha. The rock-carved seated Buddha within the temple grounds is carved in relief on a large rock about 6 metres high. Shown seated on a chair, an unusual posture, it is a Maitreya Buddha that, together with the Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva carved on the rock beside it, reveals the character of Beopjusa Temple. The Buddha's head, unusually for a rock-carved figure, is densely carved with small, snail-shell curls. The round, gentle face has a large, long nose, curved eyebrows and pronounced eyelids, together with full lips that form a subtle smile. The ears hang down to the shoulders, and the three folds on the neck show the characteristic style of early Goryeo rock-carved Buddhas. The shoulders are straight and broad, while the unusually narrow waist gives an unrealistic impression. The robe covers only the left shoulder and flows down between the chest and legs in a beautiful curve. The right hand is raised before the chest, palm outward, with the middle finger bent to touch the thumb; the left hand is held out horizontally in front, palm upward. The Buddha sits upon a resplendent lotus flower with the feet resting on a large lotus petal, a posture rarely seen in Korea. On the rock face to the Buddha's right are carved a figure leading a horse laden with baggage, and an ox kneeling before the horse. This is thought to be a rock carving related to the legend of the temple's founding, depicting the monk Uisin bringing back Buddhist scriptures and the tale of an ox seeking the Buddhist teaching. It is a representative rock-carved Buddha of the Goryeo period and a Maitreya Buddha that reveals the character of Beopjusa Temple.

AI Translation

Visiting

Opening hours

Sunrise-Sunset

Closed

N/A (Open all year round)

Admission

Individuals - Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers 2,500 won / Children 1,000 won<br> Groups - Adults 4,000 won / Teenagers 1,600 won / Children 800 won<br><br> * Adults (ages 19-65) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 7-12)

Parking

Available (Temple parking lot)

Information

• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 <br> (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)<br> • For more info: +82-43-543-3615

Visitor information: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1

Where it is

Region

Boeun, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물