The Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley – 약수계곡 마애입불상 (Gyeongju)

Carving History

The “Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley” is located up the Yaksu-gol Valley trail on Mt. Namsan (494 m) in Gyeongju. The trail is 1.5 km long, but it’s an advanced level course with in incline of nearly 19 degrees. The massive relief is some 400 metres down the western slopes of Geumo-bong Peak (468 m). And these 400 metres are some of the sketchiest on Mt. Namsan.

As for the “Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley,” and based upon its simplified body shape and the folds on its robe, it’s believed that this relief was first created in the 9th century during late Unified Silla (668-935 A.D.).

On any other mountain, the “Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley” would at least be a Korean Treasure. However, because it’s located on Mt. Namsan in Gyeongju, it’s a Gyeongsangbuk-do Tangible Cultural Heritage. It was designated as such on January 25, 1979.

Carving Design

The “Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley” measures 8.6 metres in height, and it’s engraved on the southern face of a massive 17-metre tall cliff in front of a spring in Yaksu-gol Valley. It’s the largest image of a Buddha, not only on Mt. Namsan, but in Gyeongju. Although the head has never been found, but judging from its proportions, the statue was probably originally over 10 metres in height. All that now remains of the head is a circular hole at the top of the rock cliff. The head would have been attached here separately.

The image of the Buddha was made by cutting away at the massive rock surface, creating a square-shaped relief. The left hand of the Buddha is lowered, and the right hand is raised to its chest. This mudra, or “suin” in Korean, is known as the “seolbeopin,” or “preaching mudra” in English. However, the position of the hands are opposite of what they usually are. This mudra began to appear in Korea during the late Unified Silla. Typically, this type of mudra is represented in images of Yaksayeorae-bul (The Medicine Buddha, and the Buddha of the Eastern Paradise). However, if it’s in fact an image of Yaksayeorae-bul, the image would hold a medicinal jar in its left hand.

The image of the Buddha is wearing a robe that covers both of its shoulders. The undergarment of the relief is visible, carved diagonally across the chest. The robe folds drape around the arms and fall down in a straight line, while those around the abdomen gradually grow wider. The end of the outer robe is also finished diagonally. The end of the robe appears in an omega (Ω) shape. This style of robe design was popular during the late 9th century. A similar robe design can be seen on the “Rock-carved Seated Buddha at Golguram Hermitage,” which is a Korean Treasure.

This type of large rock-carved Buddha became popular from the late Silla to early Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Over time, this style of relief became more simplified in form. An example of this can be found at the “Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Icheon-dong” in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. At the bottom of the large relief, you’ll find flat feet carved in shallow relief.

Near the site, and halfway down the valley, is the “Gyeongju Yaksugol Stone Seated Buddha.” This headless statue is believed to have been created some time during the 8th century. If you’re in the area, you should probably take the time to see it.

How To Get There

From the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take Bus #500. You’ll need to take this bus for 23 stops, or 27 minutes, and get off at the “Dwitbipa – 뒷비파 하차” bus stop. From where the bus drops you off, you’ll need to head east up the Yaksu-gol Course for 1.1 km. It’s not an easy hike. In fact, it’s for advanced hikers, so be forewarned.

And if you’d rather take a taxi to Mt. Namsan, you can take one from the Gyeongju Intercity Bus Terminal to the head of the hiking trail. The taxi ride will take 10 minutes, or 7.2 km, and it’ll cost you around 10,000 won (one way). However, the arduous hike is still the same, whether you take a taxi or not.

Overall Rating: 4/10

The “Rock-Carved Standing Buddha in Yaksu-gyegok Valley” shouldn’t be the only reason that you visit Mt. Namsan in Gyeongju. However, in combination with other sites on the mountain like Samneung-gol Valley, Chilbulam Hermitage, Borisa Temple, and/or the Yongjangsa-ji Temple Site, it makes for a nice little addition to an amazing day on Mt. Namsan. If you haven’t already, and you want to explore some lesser known sites in Gyeongju, then Mt. Namsan is the perfect place for you.