Gaeryeongamji Rock-carved Buddha Statues

Located on the cliff behind the site of Gaeryeongam Hermitage below Goribong Peak, which is connected to Jeongnyeongchi Pass in Jirisan Mountain, this group of rock-carved Buddha statues consists of 12 large and small statues, forming a large-scale Buddha statue group. Because the natural rock surface is uneven, the relief carving itself is irregular and heavily damaged, but three statues remain relatively well-preserved. Among them, the largest Buddha statue is 4 meters tall and has the most outstanding carving skill, considered to be the principal Buddha. The face is carved in relief, but the folds of the robe on the body are treated with lines, following the general technique of Goryeo rock-carved Buddhas. Additionally, the large face, formalized facial features, massive body, and simplified robe folds show the characteristics of large Buddha statues popular during the Goryeo period. The smaller Buddha statues, measuring 1 to 2 meters, also share the same carving technique, and since the style of each part is similar, they appear to have been created in the same period. Such a large-scale Buddha statue group is a rare example, and the fact that it includes inscriptions makes it a valuable resource for the study of rock-carved Buddhas.

Address: 1523 Jeongnyeongchi-ro, Sannae-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk State