Place to see: Gatbawi, Taegu, South Korea

Gatbawi

Gatbawi by Jane Keeler

Standing as close as I could get to the base of the Gatbawi Buddha, I found his stature overwhelming.

Gatbawi
Gatbawi Buddha
View from Gatbawi Peak

About this place:

One of the most well known attractions on Mt. Palgong (Palgongsan) is Gatbawi: a giant stone Buddha atop one of the peaks, with a large stone “hat” on his head. This Buddha is said to date from 638AD, and it is also said to grant one wish per person. According to some sites, this Buddha is a “medicinal Buddha” and as such, people have been known to travel to Mt. Palgong from all across Korea in order to pray for sickly loved ones. Pregnant women also climb the arduous steps to pray for sons.

Postcards about Gatbawi:

  • Jane Keeler

    14 December 2007
    From:
    Jane Keeler

    Buddhists claim that the Gatbawi Buddha will grant one wish per person, specializing in medical problems. In November 2006, a close family friend suffered a heart attack. I climbed to the top of the mountain and asked the Buddha to heal my friend... he's been doing well ever since! (Take bus #104 from outside the Ayanggyo subway station in Daegu to the end of the line... then essentially hike straight up the side of Palgong Mountain! Don't worry, there's a trail.)

Taegu, Taegu-gwangy?ksi, KR

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Discovered by Jane Keeler
on 14 December 2007.
259 views.