Chilbulram Temple, Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju

Explore the magnificent stone Buddha statues hidden in the 8th century Namsan Mountains of Gyeongju! Visit the beautiful rock-carved Buddha statues and scenic spots at the top of the mountain!

Namsan, Gyeongju, is known as an open-air museum, as numerous Buddhist relics such as stone Buddhas, rock-carved Buddhas, stone pagodas, stone lanterns, and lotus pedestals remain in pristine condition. In particular, about an hour's walk up the mountain from Tongiljeon on Dongnamsan is Chilbulam, where the most beautiful and largest group of rock-carved Buddhas is enshrined. Chilbulam Rock-carved Buddhas are the only Buddhist relics on Namsan designated as a national treasure (No. 1). Chilbulam consists of three Buddhas carved into the rock face, 312 meters high and XNUMX meters wide, and a four-faced Buddha carved into a pillar-shaped rock in front of them.

Gyeongju Namsan Cliff-carved Buddha Statues

The hands of the principal Buddha among the rock-carved stone Buddhas are clasped together in a gesture of earthly mudra to subdue demons, just like those in Seokguram Grotto (24), National Treasure No. 751, built during the Unified Silla period, and given the similarity in their plump bodies, it is estimated to date to the 8th century.

Treasure No. 199: Sinsonan Rock-Carved Bodhisattva Half-Legated Statue

Also, if you go up the rock face from Shichibutsuam for about 10 minutes, you will come to Treasure No. 199, the Sinsonan Rock-Carved Bodhisattva Half-Legally Carved Statue, which is carved into a cliff with a wonderful view and looks as if it is floating on a cloud. The rock face protruding to the east has been thinly carved into the shape of a halo, and a rock-carved bodhisattva half-legged statue about 1.4 meters high has been carved into it. It is estimated to date to the late 8th century.

directions:Gyeongju Intercity Bus TerminalFrom there, take bus number 11 (to Bulguksa Temple) to Tongiljeon bus stop for about 30 minutes. From Tongiljeon to Chilbulam, take the mountain trail for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

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Namsan Mountain, Gyeongju Gyeongju Namsan is located south of Gyeongju city and is an important archaeological site where you can appreciate the Buddhist culture of the Silla period. The mountain stretches 8km north to south and 4km east to west, with over 180 peaks and 40 valleys, and is dotted with many Buddhist ruins, including over 100 temple ruins, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas. Currently, there are 12 treasures, including the Seated Stone Buddha of Mireuk Valley. In particular, the Seated Stone Buddha of Samneung Valley on Namsan is known as the largest stone Buddha, measuring 7m in height and 5m in width. Namsan, which was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2000, is popular with hikers and climbers for its numerous Buddhist ruins and beautiful natural scenery.