Gatbawi (Stone Seated Buddha of Gwanbong)
갓바위（관봉석조여래좌상）
A stone Buddha from the Unified Silla period, wearing a flat stone hat on the summit of Gwanbong in Palgongsan. Legend says it grants one wish to those who pray sincerely, and it draws many worshippers each year.
Gatbawi's official name is the Seated Stone Buddha of Gwanbong, Palgongsan, Gyeongsan. It sits on the summit of Gwanbong at about 850 meters above sea level in southeastern Palgongsan. Carved during the Unified Silla period (around the 9th century), it is about 4 meters tall and has been designated a Korean treasure. The stone Buddha wears a flat slab about 15 centimeters thick on its head, resembling the hat (gat) of an ancient scholar, which is why it is nicknamed Gatbawi, the Hat Rock. Folk tradition says that if you pray sincerely, the stone Buddha will grant you one wish. For this reason, during college entrance exam season, job hunting season, and New Year, many worshippers climb the mountain from dawn until late at night, and the summit is filled with burning candles and offerings. From the Daegu-side Gatbawi bus terminal, the climb goes through Gwanam Temple and about 1,300 stone steps to the top, taking about one hour one way. The route is steep, so wear hiking boots and bring water. The summit has wide views of the Palgongsan peaks (see the Gwanbong landscape image of Palgongsan). The climb is free. Getting there: take bus 401 or other buses from East Daegu Station or downtown for about one hour to the Gatbawi terminal. You can also climb from the Gyeongsan side.
Opening hours
Open all day (daytime hiking recommended)
Nearby sights
- Palgongsan & Donghwasa
- Palgongsan Cable Car
- Otgol Village
- Bullo-dong Tumuli Park
- Gunwi Samjon Seokgul Grotto
- Daegu Art Museum
- Daegu National Museum
- Gukchae-bosang Movement Memorial Park