South Korea - Stone Buddhas and Pagodas at Hwasun Unjusa Temple

Unjusa temple is located on the upper area of Daecho stream, one of the tributaries of the Yeongsan-gang river. It is enshrined in a mountainous valley stretching in the north-south direction. The hills on both sides are about 100 meters above the sea level. Unjusa sits at the intersection of the Hwasun, Naju, and Jangheung regions which includes Korea's vast and fertile Naju plain. It was traditionally the center of traffic and commerce. There are abundant geographical and historical evidences that Unjusa was one of the central temples in the region. There are 141 stone pagoda relics, 115 stone Buddha statues (with the exception of three bronze and clay sculptures) including those that only partially retain the complete form of a pagoda and Buddha. 22 stone pagodas and 101 Buddhist statues stand around the valley and the hills. The site of Unjusa temple is protected as a state-designated Historic Site, and there are three state-designated Treasures within the property. In addition, twelve cultural property materials are designated by the local provincial government.