Seokbulsa Temple (Iksan)

About this place

Seokbulsa Temple is registered as the head temple of the Korean Buddhist Hwaeom sect. It houses a Baekje-era seated stone Buddha with a halo — designated a Treasure — believed to have been created around 600 AD. It is the largest stone Buddha in the round (hwanjo-bul) from the Three Kingdoms period in Korea, and its halo is also the largest. The founding date is believed to predate the construction of Mireuksaji (Mireuk Temple Site) during the early 7th century reign of Baekje King Mu. This seated stone Buddha is an extremely precious Baekje-period image. The large seated Tathagata figure (156 cm tall) stands in a dignified pose; a thin robe in the unified-shoulder (tonggyeon) style is draped over both shoulders and falls to cover the legs in the lotus position. The enormous flame-shaped halo is carved with seven small Buddhas and flame patterns.