Jangseong-gun, Baekyangsa Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha Statue Designated as 'Treasure'

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Seon-gang] Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 3rd that the Wooden Amitabha Buddha Statue located inside the Geungnakbojeon Hall of Baekyangsa Temple has been designated as a National Treasure.

The Cultural Heritage Administration announced the designation as a treasure last April and plans to officially notify it in the near future.

The Wooden Amitabha Buddha Statue in Geungnakbojeon Hall of Baekyangsa Temple is known to have been created in 1607 by the sculptor monk Hyeonjin.

Hyeonjin was a representative sculptor monk of the 17th-century Joseon Dynasty, with many of his works currently designated as treasures. The Baekyangsa Wooden Amitabha Buddha Statue is the oldest existing Buddha statue among Hyeonjin's works.

According to the ink inscription inside the pedestal (the base of the Buddha statue), it was created to pray for the repose of the previous king and for the Buddha’s enlightenment.

The gentle face and natural posture reflect the characteristics of 17th-century Buddhist sculpture.

Previously, in 2008, it was designated as a Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Property (No. 289).

A Jangseong-gun official stated, “The Wooden Amitabha Buddha Statue in Geungnakbojeon Hall of Baekyangsa Temple is an important resource that can reveal changes in Buddha statues before and after the Imjin War,” adding, “We plan to manage it with priority.”

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