Yeongji Stone Seated Buddha

About this place

The Yeongji Stone Seated Buddha is a stone seated Buddha located in Gwaereung-ri, Oedon-eup, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is a Buddhist statue with a pedestal and a carved halo at the back; part of the halo and the head are badly worn and difficult to identify. The sturdy body, waist, and voluminous knees well represent the Unified Silla style. The right hand points downward with fingertips toward the earth, while the left hand rests on the left knee with the palm facing outward. The octagonal, finely crafted lotus pedestal, and the halo carved together with the body from a single stone, feature elaborate flame motifs with small Buddhas elaborately carved inside, vividly expressing the art of the era. According to legend, the sculpture was made by Asadal for Asanyeo, who threw herself into the water and died while waiting for Asadal, who was building the Seokgatap Pagoda at Bulguksa Temple.