📍 daeguOpen now · Closes at 18:30(Open now · Closes at 18:30)🕒 KST: 09:12

Donghwasa Temple (Daegu)

동화사 (팔공산)•Donghwasa Temple

A 1,500-year-old Buddhist sanctuary on Mount Palgongsan renowned for paulownia blossoms, autumn foliage, and the colossal Stone Buddha of Peace.

The 33-meter Tongil Daebul stone Buddha for peace at Donghwasa Temple, Palgongsan Mountain, Daegu.
Founded in 493 CE, featuring the 33-meter-tall Grand Stone Buddha of Unification and serene forest courtyards.
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Hours & Closures

Schedule: 06:00 - 18:30
⚠️ Open daily year-round
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Tickets & Admission

Free Temple AdmissionFree
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Contact & Website

Donghwasa Information Desk:
📞 +82-53-980-7900Call
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Transit Access

Express Bus Palgong 1 (급행1): Donghwasa Bus Terminal Stop
🚶 3 min walk

🚗 Parking available at East/West gates for 2,000 KRW.

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History & Heritage

Nestled on the pine slopes of Mount Palgongsan, Donghwasa is the head temple of the 9th District of the Jogye Order, steeped in Silla and Joseon heritage.

First established in 493 CE by Monk Geukdal, reconstructed in 832 CE by Monk Simji and renamed Donghwasa.

Main hall Daeungjeon displays intricate 1732 Joseon woodwork with natural twisted tree pillars.

⏳ Historical Milestones

493Initial temple founding in Silla Dynasty.
832Rebuilding by Master Simji and renamed Donghwasa.
1992Dedication of the 33m Tongil Daebul Buddha.
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What to See & Highlights

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Tongil Daebul Grand Buddha

33-meter granite Buddha statue sculpted from 2,000 tons of stone to pray for Korean reunification.

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Daeungjeon Main Hall & Bonghwangmun

Treasure-designated main hall featuring natural curved wood pillars without artificial carving.

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Visit Planning & Advice

⏱️ Recommended Duration:

2 hours

☀️ Best Time of Day:

Morning for temple tranquility and mountain mist

🍁 Seasonal Tips: Autumn (October–November) transforms Palgongsan into a breathtaking sea of crimson foliage.
✅ Practical Rules:
  • Temple entry is completely free under national heritage conservation laws.
  • Combine with the nearby Palgongsan Cable Car for sweeping mountain vistas.
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How to Travel from Seoul to daegu?

🚄 KTX₩43,500
🎁5% KTX mileage accumulation for eligible Korail Talk members (not a discount)
From: Seoul Station
To: Dongdaegu Station
Duration: 1h 40m – 2h 00m (~240 km)
Book Tickets↗
🚅 SRT₩37,000
From: Suseo Station
To: Dongdaegu Station
Duration: 1h 35m (~235 km)
Book Tickets↗
🚌 Express Bus₩20,500 ~ ₩36,000
From: Seoul Express Bus Terminal
To: Dongdaegu Terminal
Duration: 3h 30m (~285 km)
Book Tickets↗

Other Recommended Destinations

Cheongungyo and Baegungyo stone bridges leading to Jahamun Gate at Bulguksa Temple.
GyeongjuBuddhist Temple
Open now · Closes at 18:00Free Admission
불국사 (佛國寺)

Bulguksa Temple

The crown jewel of Silla Buddhist art and Korea’s first UNESCO World Heritage site (1995), home to the iconic Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas.

🚇Bus 10, 11, or 700 (Express from KTX)View Details