Andong Icheon-dong Rock-Carved Standing Buddha (Jebiwon Stone Buddha)

About this place

The Andong Icheon-dong Rock-Carved Standing Buddha is located at a site said to have once housed the Yeonmisa Temple, and is also known as the 'Jebiwon Stone Buddha' after a hermitage called Jebiwon recently built nearby. The entire statue, 12.38 meters tall, has a body carved into the natural rock face with the head placed separately on top. This style of Buddha was commonly made during the Goryeo period; the Paju Yongmiri Twin Rock-Carved Buddha (Treasure) shows a nearly identical technique. The head is mostly damaged at the back but intact in front. The head bears a high topknot (usnisa), and the face carries a compassionate smile. Red pigment remains on the head and lips, clearly indicating that it was originally painted. The hands are positioned with the index and middle fingers touching, the left hand at the chest and the right hand at the abdomen. Based on the face's strong contours and detailed sculptural style, the statue is estimated to have been created around the 11th century.