Gatbawi Stone Buddha
A sacred mountain peak crowned by a colossal stone Buddha, famed for granting wishes and offering panoramic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Gatbawi Stone Buddha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred mountain peak crowned by a colossal stone Buddha, famed for granting wishes and offering panoramic views.
"The hike up was painful, but the Buddha grants wishes, and the view from the top was stunning. "
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steep and uneven stairs. Prioritize comfort for the ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. The climb can be strenuous.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gatbawi Stone Buddha
Palgongsan Mountain Summit
A colossal, centuries-old stone Buddha statue reputed to grant wishes. A truly spiritual and awe-inspiring sight.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Along the hiking trail
Stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape unfold as you ascend. Perfect for capturing breathtaking photos.
Temples and Resting Spots
En route to the summit
Discover serene temples and well-placed resting areas to catch your breath and reflect.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Climb
Wish-Granting Tradition
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steep and uneven stairs. Prioritize comfort for the ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. The climb can be strenuous.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic scenery from the top is stunning. Don't forget your camera!
🙏 Respectful Prayer
Many visitors offer prayers and wishes. Be mindful of others' spiritual experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The hike involves many steep and uneven stairs. Prioritize comfort for the ascent.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Bring water, especially during warmer months. The climb can be strenuous.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic scenery from the top is stunning. Don't forget your camera!
🙏 Respectful Prayer
Many visitors offer prayers and wishes. Be mindful of others' spiritual experience.
🚌 Shuttle Bus Option
Consider the shuttle bus from Gwaneum Rest Area for a one-way trip.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the spiritual significance and the breathtaking views from Gatbawi. The wish-granting reputation adds a unique allure. However, the strenuous, steep climb is a significant challenge for many, requiring good physical condition and proper footwear.
"I was recommended this place by my friend from Korea. To reach the location, I’d suggest taking a bus first, then preparing to climb a lot - and I mean a lot - of stairs. The stairs were steep and uneven, so be prepared and be careful. The weather at the top of the mountain was quite humid."
Mindaugas Valatkevičius
"The uphill path was quite painful, but since it’s said that the Buddha of Gatbawi grants at least one wish, I endured and kept climbing. People say the path from the Daegu side is extremely tough, so I went up from the Gyeongsan side instead — but even then, it was really exhausting. If you buy candles or offering rice at Gwaneum Rest Area, you can take a one-way shuttle bus from there."
EK Kim
"It was pretty manageable to make it to the peak because of the well-structured staircases. I went there on the weekdays so there was no big crowds which was great in this time of crisis. The Buddha sculpture was beautiful and bigger than I thought, so I could not resist taking a photo of it."
April Josephine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Daegu towards Palgongsan Mountain. Travelers recommend the Gyeongsan side for the ascent, which might be less strenuous than the Daegu route. Some suggest a combination of bus and then a shuttle bus from Gwaneum Rest Area.
Yes, there is typically parking available at the base of the mountain, especially near the bus stops and rest areas.
The primary way is by climbing the stairs. There are two main paths, both leading to the top, with some smaller temples along the way.
Absolutely! Many visitors undertake a half-day excursion from Daegu to visit Gatbawi.
Yes, a one-way shuttle bus is available from Gwaneum Rest Area if you purchase candles or offering rice there.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access the Gatbawi Stone Buddha itself. However, there might be fees for parking or specific services like shuttle buses.
Gatbawi is an outdoor natural attraction and is generally accessible at all times. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment of the views.
No advance booking is required for Gatbawi. It's a natural site, and you can visit spontaneously.
While there are no strict entry restrictions, it's important to be respectful of the religious site and the natural environment.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own offerings. There are also shops at the Gwaneum Rest Area where you can purchase them.
🎫 ⛰️ Onsite Experience
The climb can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your fitness level and how often you stop to rest or take photos. Some estimate around 1500 stairs.
The hike is considered strenuous due to the steep and numerous stairs. It's a good workout, and fitness is a factor.
Gatbawi is famous for its wish-granting reputation, attracting many pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings. It's considered a spiritual and memorable place.
Yes, there are restrooms available, particularly at the Gwaneum Rest Area and near the summit.
You can expect stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Palgongsan Mountain range and the landscape below.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit with the Buddha statue is a must-capture. Also, look for scenic viewpoints along the hiking trail for breathtaking landscape shots.
The stairs can be steep and crowded at times, so be cautious when taking photos. It's best to find a safe spot to pause.
Morning light can be beautiful for landscape shots, while late afternoon might offer softer light on the Buddha statue. Weekdays offer fewer people for unobstructed photos.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural parks and religious sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Focus on capturing the scale of the Buddha statue and the serene atmosphere. Photos of people praying or meditating can also be very evocative.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
🙏 Spiritual Seekers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Gatbawi
The journey to the summit is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself. The hike up Palgongsan Mountain involves a substantial climb, often estimated at around 1500 steep and uneven stairs.
Beyond the main Buddha, the mountain is dotted with smaller temples and serene spots that add to the pilgrimage feel. The Gwaneum Rest Area at the base offers amenities and a shuttle bus service for those who purchase offerings, providing a convenient option for some visitors.
Navigating the Ascent
There are two primary routes to the summit, often differentiated by their starting points (Daegu vs. Gyeongsan). While both involve a strenuous climb, some visitors suggest the Gyeongsan side might be slightly less arduous.
For those looking for a slightly more convenient option, the Gwaneum Rest Area provides a shuttle bus service for a one-way trip to the summit, typically available upon purchasing offerings like candles or rice.
Social
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