Palgongsan & Donghwasa
팔공산 동화사
An ancient temple at the southern foot of Palgongsan, said to have been founded in 493. The 33-meter Unified Medicine Buddha inside the temple is one of Korea's largest stone Buddhas.
Palgongsan is located on the northern outskirts of Daegu. Its main peak, Birobong, is about 1,193 meters above sea level. In 2023, it was elevated to Korea's 23rd national park. The mountain has many temples and is considered a Buddhist holy site of the Yeongnam region. Donghwasa sits at the southern foot of Palgongsan. According to tradition, it was founded in 493 by the Silla monk Geukdal. When it was rebuilt by the monk Simji in 832, the paulownia trees beside it were in bloom in winter, so the temple was renamed Donghwasa, meaning Paulownia Flower Temple. It is the head temple of the Ninth District of the Jogye Order. Highlights inside include the Main Hall, rebuilt in the Joseon period and designated a treasure, a finely carved stone pagoda and stone stupa, a rock-carved seated Buddha, and the Unification Medicine Buddha, built in 1992 to pray for the reunification of North and South Korea. The Buddha stands about 33 meters tall in a broad plaza and is impressive. The temple offers Templestay programs by reservation. Since 2023, entry to the temple has been free of cultural heritage fees, though parking is charged separately. The Palgongsan Cable Car nearby takes visitors to the Sinlim Peak observation deck for views over Daegu. Getting there: take the express bus No. 1 or other buses from East Daegu Station for about 50 minutes to Donghwasa Station. Roads are congested on weekends during the autumn foliage season.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Palgongsan Cable Car
- Gatbawi (Stone Seated Buddha of Gwanbong)
- Gunwi Samjon Seokgul Grotto
- Otgol Village
- Bullo-dong Tumuli Park
- Gukchae-bosang Movement Memorial Park
- Daegu National Museum
- Kim Gwang-seok Street