Gaeryeongamji Rock-carved Buddha Statues

Located on the cliff behind the site of Gaeryeongam Temple below Goribong Peak, which is connected to Jeongnyeongchi Pass in Jirisan Mountain, this group of rock-carved Buddha statues consists of 12 large and small Buddha statues, forming a large-scale Buddha statue group. Because it is on an uneven natural rock wall, the relief of the carvings themselves is uneven and the damage is severe, but three statues are relatively well preserved. Among them, the largest Buddha statue is 4 meters tall and has the most outstanding carving skill, so it is considered the principal Buddha. The face is in relief, but the folds of the robe on the body are treated with lines, following the technique of typical Goryeo rock-carved Buddhas. Additionally, the large face, formalized facial features, massive body, and simplified robe folds show the characteristics of large Buddha statues that were popular during the Goryeo period. The smaller Buddha statues, ranging from 1 to 2 meters, also share the same carving technique, and since the style of each part is similar, they appear to have been made in the same period. Such a large-scale Buddha statue group is a rare example, and the fact that it includes inscriptions makes it a valuable resource for the study of rock-carved Buddhas.