Rock-carved Buddhas in Bonghwang-ri, Chungju

These are nine Buddha and bodhisattva images carved in relief, at slightly different times, on two large rock faces on a hillside. On the upper rock face, which measures 3.5 m in height and 8 m in width, a single seated Buddha is carved in relief; on the lower rock face, a total of eight figures are carved, comprising a seated Buddha and, centred around an offering figure and a half-cross-legged pensive figure, five bodhisattvas. Based on the geographical and historical circumstances of the site and on the stylistic features of the carving, the group is thought to have been made at the end of the Three Kingdoms period or the beginning of Unified Silla. Because it follows the drapery style and form of Goguryeo Buddhist images, it is an extremely valuable body of material showing the transition from Goguryeo influence into the development of Silla Buddhist sculpture, and is of high scholarly value.

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Where it is

Region

Chungju, Chungbuk

Designation

Treasure · 보물