Sejong City has announced plans to designate the Amitabha Buddha Seated Statue at Biamsa Temple as a national treasure, recognising its exceptional craftsmanship and historical significance. The wooden statue, housed in Geungnakbojeon Hall in Jeonui-myeon, is one of the few surviving Buddhist sculptures from Korea’s early Joseon Dynasty.
Preliminary listing was confirmed on 14 September, with a final decision expected after a 30-day review by the Cultural Heritage Committee. Though no inscription survives to confirm its origins, stylistic analysis and radiocarbon dating suggest the statue was created between 1508 and 1520.
Standing at 194.2 cm tall with a knee width of 132 cm, the statue is notable for its rare construction technique. Unlike typical clay-over-frame methods, the figure was first shaped in wood, with fine details added using minimal clay. This approach, along with its refined facial features and proportions, offers valuable insight into 16th-century Buddhist artistry.
“The statue is in good condition and holds academic significance for understanding the form and techniques of early Joseon Buddhist statues,” said a city official. “We will continue to make efforts to ensure systematic preservation and to widely promote its value.”
Biamsa Temple itself dates back to the Goryeo period and is already home to several designated cultural properties. The Amitabha statue’s elevation to national treasure status would further cement the temple’s role in safeguarding Korea’s religious and artistic heritage.
If approved, the designation will not only protect the statue but also enhance public awareness of Korea’s rich Buddhist legacy—ensuring that this rare masterpiece receives the recognition it deserves.
About the Author
