Standing Medicine Buddha Statue at Deoksusa, Relocated to Woraksan Mountain Due to Chungju Dam

A Stone Buddha That Came to Woraksan in 1983 Due to the Construction of Chungju Dam

Deokjusa Yaksa Tathagata Standing Statue is a stone Buddhist statue from the Goryeo period located at Deokjusa Temple in Hansu-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. It originally stood at the site known as Jeonggeumsa Temple in Deoksanggol, Yeok-ri, Hansu-myeon, but was relocated to and restored within Deokjusa Temple on Woraksan in 1983 due to the construction of Chungju Dam.

The relocation and restoration explain why the statue is currently seen in Yaksajeon Hall at Deokjusa Temple. The statue was designated a Tangible Cultural Heritage of Chungcheongbuk-do on December 31, 1998, and is currently classified as a cultural artifact, Buddhist sculpture, stone sculpture, and Buddhist statue.

First Look at the 232 cm Height and Large Rectangular Head

The statue is 232 cm tall. Both the face and body are square in form, while the head is exceptionally large and broad, with a flat rectangular shape. Compared with the body, its proportions make the shoulders appear as though they are hunched.

The neck is short and the shoulders are narrow, while the hair is represented by large spiral curls. The ushnisha is small and low, and traces of a hole where the urna was once inserted remain on the forehead. The thin, elongated eyes are damaged, so their form is not clearly discernible.

Left Hand Holding a Medicine Bowl and a Separately Made Pedestal

The right hand is raised to the chest, forming a mudra with the thumb and little finger bent. The left hand holds a medicine bowl against the chest, a feature that confirms the statue's identity as a Medicine Buddha, or Yaksa Tathagata.

Both arms are represented as very thin and simplified compared with the face, while a thick Buddhist robe is draped over the flat body in the right-shoulder-baring style. The garment folds descend over the left arm, and the pedestal was made separately from the statue, with both feet and the body placed upon it.

Traces of Burial Underground and Features of Goryeo Stone Buddhas in Chungcheong Province

Because this statue was buried underground for a long time, the lower part of the body is slightly damaged, but it remains largely complete overall. Up close, it is an object to be viewed together with the traces of damage and restoration, rather than only as a smooth sacred image.

The bulky form, disproportionate body, and simplified surface carving are features commonly associated with stone Buddhas from the Goryeo period, particularly those found in the Chungcheong region. The Medicine Buddha also provides material for examining the Buddhist statue styles and social conditions of that era.

Bus 246 from Chungju Public Bus Terminal to Songgye-ri

Public transportation routes should be reconfirmed through on-site or official guidance. Rather than assuming that travel through central Jecheon is the starting point, foreign travelers should check the latest information for the departure point and alighting stop, then enter the details into a driver-assisted search or map app.

The stated route indicates approximately 20 minutes to Deokju Visitor Support Center. However, the latest service interval is not provided, so travelers should check bus operating times and also plan the return journey from Songgye-ri.

How to Find It at 87 Mireuksonggye-ro 2-gil, Within Deokjusa Temple

The address is 87 Mireuksonggye-ro 2-gil, Hansu-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do. Deokjusa Yaksa Tathagata Standing Statue is not a separate tourist facility; it is located within Deokjusa Temple on Woraksan. Deokjusa is a traditional temple registered at 3 Songgye-ri, Hansu-myeon, Jecheon-si.

Chungbuk Nadri lists Deokjusa Yaksa Tathagata Standing Statue as a nearby attraction 0.9 km from Deokjusa Rock-carved Standing Buddha. Therefore, do not mistake it for the same location as the rock-carved Buddha; set the stone Medicine Buddha enshrined in Yaksajeon Hall as your destination.

A Place Showing Both 07:00–18:00 Guidance and Year-Round Opening

Operating hours must be checked against the latest information before visiting. Whether the site is always open, open year-round, or free of charge should also be confirmed through the latest public and on-site guidance. It is therefore safer to verify the information before visiting rather than treating a particular time period as the current operating schedule.

Admission fees and parking availability must be checked through the latest information before visiting. However, no information is provided about the number of parking spaces, fees, or a ticket office dedicated to the standing Medicine Buddha. On-site information combines the overall Deokjusa Temple grounds with the statue-viewing route. The contact telephone number and official website should also be confirmed through the latest information before visiting.

• Address: 87 Mireuksonggye-ro 2-gil, Hansu-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
• For all other information, check the latest guidance before visiting

Visitor Restrictions to Expect at Deokjusa Temple

The exact walking distance to the standing Medicine Buddha, information about slopes and stairs, and wheelchair and stroller accessibility have not been provided. Only the indication of approximately 20 minutes to Deokju Visitor Support Center and the 0.9 km distance from Deokjusa Rock-carved Standing Buddha can be confirmed. Travelers with difficulty walking should therefore consider contacting 043-653-1773 before moving around the site.

No separate guidance is available regarding photography restrictions, cash-only payment, English information or audio guides, or accessible and restricted areas. Since the stone Buddha is enshrined in Yaksajeon Hall within the temple grounds, visitors should view it quietly in the worship space and avoid entering too close to or touching the statue.

Deokjusa is introduced as a branch temple of Beopjusa and is said to have been founded by Princess Deokju, the daughter of King Gyeongsun in the late Silla period. If the standing Medicine Buddha is the sole focus of a quick visit, allow ample time for movement around the Deokjusa grounds. If combining the visit with hiking on Woraksan, check the latest on-site timetable for the return bus.