Palgongsan & the Gatbawi Buddha

Barnkim · Public domain

A stone Buddha wearing a stone hat on a mountain top, said to grant each visitor one wish.

Climb more than a thousand stone steps to Gwanbong peak and you meet a Buddha carved in the 9th century, with a flat slab on its head that looks like the gat hat of a Joseon scholar. Legend says Gatbawi grants each person exactly one wish, so during exam season the slope fills with praying parents. From up there the whole of Daegu lies below with the Palgongsan range running away behind — in autumn the range turns red and the cable car on the western side is always full.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Palgongsan & the Gatbawi Buddha?

October–November (autumn colour)

How long do you need at Palgongsan & the Gatbawi Buddha?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Palgongsan & the Gatbawi Buddha?

Open all day

Did you know

The Gatbawi Buddha was carved in the 9th century and stands about 4m tall.
The path up has more than 1,000 stone steps.
Palgongsan became Korea's 23rd national park in 2023.
Donghwasa temple at its foot was founded in 493.

Travel tips

Exam season in November brings crowds of praying families.
Carry water; the final stairway is steep.
If you'd rather not climb, take the cable car on the Donghwasa side.

Source: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

Updated: 2026-08-05