Seated Jangheung Guryong-ri Rock-carved Buddha

This rock-carved Buddha is incised on a folding-screen-shaped rock face about 20 m high, behind Jami village in Guryong-ri, Busan-myeon, Jangheung County, Jeollanam-do. The figure is carved in outline at a height of about 6 m above the ground, and because the rock surface is uneven, its overall outline is difficult to make out. Near the crown of the shaven head rises a topknot-shaped bun, and on the face only the ridge of the nose stands out prominently, giving a striking impression. The robe is draped over both shoulders, its folds falling below the knees; further down, heavy weathering makes the exact outline impossible to determine. The right hand is shown with the back of the hand visible and the fingertips pointing towards the ground, while the left hand rests on the knee, palm upward. This rock-carved Buddha is said to depict State Preceptor Wongam Chungji (1226–1292) of the Goryeo period. Chungji was a native of this area who, after passing the state examination, entered the priesthood, and at one time travelled to Japan and to the Yuan dynasty. According to the Wongamguksa-jip (Collected Works of State Preceptor Wongam), an image of the State Preceptor was carved into the rock face at Guryong-ri, Busan-myeon, Jangheung County, to commemorate his achievements. It is presumed that his disciples carved it after his death, out of reverence for their teacher. Judging both from its connection with Chungji and from the formal, conventional carving technique, the work is estimated to date from the late Goryeo period, around the 13th century.

AI Translation

Where it is

Region

Jangheung, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산