Palgongsan Gatbawi

Palgongsan Gatbawi is Palgongsan's signature Buddha statue, named for the flat, hat-like ("gat") stone resting on its head. Its formal name is the Stone Seated Buddha of Gwanbong.

The statue has gained nationwide fame for a saying that a sincere prayer here will surely be granted one wish. Especially during college entrance exam season, parents from across the country flock here to pray for their children's success, and it's common to see people bowing in prayer from before dawn.

Along with the Palgongsan Cable Car's summit station and the Jecheondan altar at Birobong's peak, it's counted among the premier sites of folk faith in the Palgongsan area. Administratively it belongs to Gyeongsan, not Daegu, but since it sits directly connected to Palgongsan's Daegu-facing slopes, it's widely known as "Daegu's Gatbawi."

Reaching it requires a fair bit of uphill walking, but the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit and standing before the statue is exactly what makes the climb worthwhile.