Gyeongju Yuldong Rock-carved Three Standing Buddhas

About this place

This is a cliff-carved (ma-ae) Buddhist sculpture depicting a triad of three deities carved into a west-facing rock on the western side of Byeokdo Mountain in Gyeongju. The triad directly follows the style of the Gyeongju Gulbulsa Temple Stone Four-Sided Buddha (National Treasure) nearby, and is a representative Unified Silla work depicting Amitabha Buddha, who rules the Western Pure Land, in the center, with Avalokitesvara (Guanyin) and Mahasthamaprapta bodhisattvas on either side. The Amitabha's head is very large, with a low topknot (usnisa) near the crown, resembling a hat — the same style as the Gulbulsa four-sided Buddha. The face is very full with chubby cheeks and retains a faint smile. The shoulders are broad and straight, and the robe covering both shoulders is thinly rendered, clearly revealing the body's contours. The right hand hangs down, while the left is raised to the chest with the thumb and middle finger touching — identifying the figure as Amitabha. The feet are uniquely splayed to the sides rather than pointing forward. The left bodhisattva emphasizes slim feminine beauty. The triad is fundamentally similar to the Gulbulsa four-sided Buddha, but differs somewhat in fullness, foot posture, and robe folds, suggesting a slightly different production period.