Gaeryeongamji Rock-Carved Buddhist Image Group

About this place

This large group of rock-carved Buddhist images, carved into the cliff behind the site of the Gaeryeongam Hermitage below Goribong Peak near Jirisan Jeongnyeongchi Pass, consists of 12 large and small Buddha figures. Though the uneven natural rock surface means the relief carvings are inconsistent in depth and there is considerable damage, three of the figures are relatively well-preserved. The largest of them, at 4 meters, is also the finest work and is considered the principal Buddha. The face is in relief but the body's garment folds are rendered in line, following the common Goryeo maae (rock-carved) Buddha technique. The large face, formalized features, imposing physique, and simplified garment folds also reflect the characteristics of the massive Buddha images popular during the Goryeo period. This rare large-scale group of Buddha images, notably bearing an inscription, is invaluable material for the study of rock-carved Buddhas.