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Stone Standing Buddha in Mireuk-ri, Chungju

충주 미륵리 석조여래입상 ( 忠州 彌勒里 石造如來立像 )

Heritage Search Detail
Classification Treasure
Name of Cultural Properties Stone Standing Buddha in Mireuk-ri, Chungju
Quantity 1Buddha statue
Designated Date 1963.01.21
Age Goryeo
Address 58, Mireuk-ri, Suanbo-myeon, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do

This stone standing Buddha exhibits the same overall style as several large Buddha statues made in this region during the early Goryeo Dynasty. According to a legend, Prince Maui of the late Silla Dynasty, extremely distressed by the collapse of the country, came to this place and built this Buddha statue before going to Gyegolsan Mountain, while his younger sister built the Rock-carved Standing Buddha of Deokjusa Temple in Jecheon (Treasure No. 406). The main body of the statue was hewn from five separate stones, while the Budhha’s hat was made of one thin stone. The round face, arched eyebrows, narrow wide eyes, flat nose, and thick lips are typical features of the large Buddha statues made in the region during the early Goryeo Period. In contrast to the face, the body is simply expressed with plain folds in the clothing, while its hands are holding a bead-like object. This bold, massive Buddha statue was clearly made to reflect the burgeoning power of the newly established Goryeo Dynasty.