Chungcheongnam-do

Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri – 예산 화전리 석조사면불상 (Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do)

The “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do.

Relief History

The “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” is located in Yesan, Chungcheongnam-do in the southern foothills of Mt. Obongsan (225.3 m). This four-sided stone relief was first discovered in 1983. When it was discovered, the four-sided stone relief was damaged, and it was also partially buried.

It’s estimated that this relief was first created around 527 A.D. in the Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.) after the completion of King Muryeonng of Baekje’s Tomb in Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do. The “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” is the earliest four-sided stone Buddha relief in Korea. This relief is closely related in style to the “Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Yonghyeon-ri.” The “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” is Korean Treasure #794.

Relief Design

From the neighbouring parking lot, you’ll have to make your way up a grassy trail, until you come to a clearing that houses a pavilion. Housed inside this pavilion is the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri.”

In total, the four-sided relief, which is known as a “samyeon-bul” in Korean, depicts Yaksayeorae-bul (The Medicine Buddha), Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha), and Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha).

The first image that you approach from the south appears to be the principal Buddha. This image is seated, while the three remaining Buddhas are standing. The southern Buddha appears to be Seokgamoni-bul. The head is damaged and no longer a part of the relief. Where the head once existed, there is a beautiful backing fiery nimbus with a lotus flower design at the centre. The southern statue has a U-shaped robe that covers both of its shoulders. However, the head of the southern image still exists. It seems to be stored at the Gongju National Museum for the past 20 years. Purportedly, it features plump cheeks and a smiling expression similar to the Baekje smile.

The northern image, on the other hand, appears to be Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha). This image of Mireuk-bul is standing. Again, it has a robe draped over both of its shoulders. Unfortunately, the northern image of Mireuk-bul is also missing its head. But once more, it’s backed by a large lotus flower design absent the fiery nimbus.

The eastern Buddha, which appears to be Yaksayeorae-bul (The Medicine Buddha, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise), is also standing. It’s somewhat simpler in design than the southern image. It has broad shoulders and naturally straight legs. It has an overall sense of grace to it, but it’s significantly smaller in size than its southern and northern neighbours.

The western Buddha, which appears to be Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), is larger than the eastern Buddha. It is missing both of its hands, and it’s backed by a lotus nimbus similar in design to that of the southern Buddha. It has deep pleats to its robe, which covers both of its shoulders.

How To Get There

The only realistic way to get to the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” from the Yesan Bus Terminal is by taxi. Otherwise, you’d probably be on multiple buses for a couple of hours. As for a taxi, it’ll take you about 20 minutes, or 17 km, and it’ll cost you around 23,000 won (one way).

But if you’re determined on taking public transportation, you can take Bus #530 for 63 stops and get off at the “Hwajeon-ri – 화천리 하차” bus stop. The bus ride will take you about 110 minutes. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head northwest for 350 metres. The walk to the pavilion that houses the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” will take about 10 minutes from the bus stop.

Overall Rating: 6/10

While significantly damaged, the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri” has a distinct style similar to that of the “Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Yonghyeon-ri.” Both exude a wonderful sense of late Baekje-style. Each directional image is different; and yet, they all exude a certain sense of calm and beauty. While difficult to get to, it’s definitely worth a visit to see a Baekje stylized version of a four-sided stone relief of the Buddha similar to the one found at Gulbulsa-ji Temple Site in Gyeongju.

The trail leading up to the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri.”
The pavilion that houses the “Stone Buddhas in Four Directions in Hwajeon-ri.”
The south-side of the four-sided stone relief. The south-side depicts Seokgamoni-bul (The Historical Buddha).
The east-side that depicts a standing image of Yaksayeorae-bul (The Buddha of Medicine, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise).
The north-side, which depicts Mireuk-bul (The Future Buddha).
And the west-side, which depicts Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise).

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