This massive Buddha is carved on the surface of a rock cliff where the outskirts of Hwangsang-dong, Gupo-dong, and Jinmi-dong three smaller towns near Gumi meet. The carving stands more than seven meters (23 feet) tall, and includes well-defined facial features and softly flowing clothes. Atop the Buddha’s head sits a large usnisa, a three-dimensional oval that symbolizes enlightenment. This carving is considered an outstanding work of the Unified Silla period in Korean history, which lasted just under 300 years between the 7th and 10th centuries. Though this carving is hundreds of…
