Gyeongju Namsan Bulgok Magai Seated Statue of Nyorai

This Silla stone Buddha from the Three Kingdoms period is said to be the oldest of the surviving stone Buddhas in Namsan, Gyeongju.

Hello. The valley in Dongnamsan Mountain, Gyeongju, a treasure trove of World Heritage sites, where there is a huge rock depicting the nine-story wooden pagoda of Hwangnyongsa Temple, said to have been built by Queen Seondeok, the 27th ruler of Silla, is called Tapgok. Next to Tapgok is Bulgol.

If you drive a short distance along the narrow road that runs alongside Namcheon River, which curves sharply from the north to the east of Namsan, you will come across a gentle slope on the right side that is the Bulgo Valley of Dongnamsan. About 400 meters from the entrance to the valley, walking along the mountain path, you will come across the stone Buddha which is said to be the best-preserved and oldest of all the stone Buddhas in Namsan, Gyeongju.

As soon as you leave the bamboo forest, a stone Buddha carved into the rock appears before your eyes.

The stone Buddhas, which are carved into holes in the protruding parts of huge rocks in the middle of a lush bamboo forest, are like ordinary old ladies and are so beloved by locals since ancient times that they are also called Harumebucho, as they are considered to be like the Buddhas of old ladies. It is said that the existence of these stone Buddhas is the reason why this valley was named Butsudani, or "Buddha Valley."

This stone Buddha was carved into a rock about 3 meters high and 4 meters wide, with a niche about 1.7 meters high, 1.2 meters wide, and 60 centimeters deep carved into it at a height of 1.4 meters. The entrance to the niche is in the shape of a stone arch, making it a valuable resource for research on Seokguram Grotto, a World Heritage Site that is a must-see course for tourists in Gyeongju. In addition, the style of the carving suggests that it dates back to the end of the Three Kingdoms period in the 7th century.

Dongnamsan is located near National Route 7, which leads to Bulguksa Temple, so if you have time, it's worth taking a trip there to experience Silla Buddhist art.

Address
Mountain 56, Inwang-dong, Gyeongju City, Gyeongsangbuk-do
56

Treasure No. 198

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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.