Donghwasa, Buddhist temple on Mount Palgongsan, Daegu, South Korea
Donghwasa is a Buddhist temple situated on the southern slopes of Mount Palgongsan, featuring multiple halls, pagodas, and a 17-meter-tall Medicine Buddha statue completed in 1992. The grounds form a complete monastic complex with traditional architecture and several nationally protected monuments.
The temple was founded in 493 as Yugasa Temple during the Silla Kingdom and received its current name in 832 when Master Simji observed paulownia trees flowering unusually in winter. This name change marked an important turning point in the site's history.
The temple serves as a significant center for Korean Buddhism and houses numerous national treasures including the three-story Geumdangam stone tower. Visitors can sense the deep spiritual importance of the site through its carefully crafted halls and sculptures.
The temple offers regular meditation programs, traditional meals, and overnight stays available with advance reservations. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes to explore the various areas and allow sufficient time to see the different buildings and outdoor spaces.
The grounds contain fourteen state-designated cultural objects and maintain a weekly market tradition tracing back to the Goryeo Dynasty period. This long-standing market custom adds a living, communal element to the site beyond its spiritual character.
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