Standing Yeoju Gyesin-ri Rock-carved Buddha

This is an early Goryeo-period Buddha carved on a rock face on the bank of the Namhan River (South Han River), at Bucheoul village in Gyesin-ri, Hongcheon-myeon. The Buddha has a halo (dugwang, the light said to radiate from the crown of the Buddha's head) formed of three concentric circles rising in tiers, with flame patterns finely carved along the edge. The rendering of the body and the posture, together with the gentle expression of the face, suggest a Buddha statue of the early Goryeo period that had taken on a distinctive local character in this area. Atop the smooth, bald head rises a large usnisha (yukgye, a topknot-shaped knot of hair), and the square face is carved with neat, finely detailed features. The smiling face, full in both cheeks, gives an endearing and generous impression. The ears are long, reaching down to the shoulders, and the short, thick neck bears the samdo, three folds symbolising the Buddha's wisdom. The beopui (a monk's outer robe) draped over both shoulders flows down over the arms all the way to the ankles, covering the body. On the left shoulder, the clasp fastening the robe is rendered with great precision; a similar clasp ornament can be seen on the Seated Maitreya Buddha at Pochogol in Yeoju. The right hand is raised to shoulder height with the thumb and index finger touching, while the left hand is extended to the side with the palm turned outward. With its dignified posture, flowing outline, a full-volumed face bearing a soft, endearing expression, and the somewhat formulaic treatment seen in places in the drapery folds, this is a representative early Goryeo-period Buddha statue of Yeoju that carries on the sculptural style of the Unified Silla period.

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Where it is

Region

Yeoju, Gyeonggi

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산