Daegu | The Unified Buddha statue, inscribed by Roh Tae-woo, houses Buddha relics donated by Myanmar.

To visit Palgongsan, be prepared for a hike, as the entire Tonghwasa Temple is quite large. Let's first discuss the Great Buddha of the Unification of North and South Korea. This 33-meter-tall Medicine Buddha statue was built in 1992 for then-President Roh Tae-woo, a military veteran who participated in a coup d'état and the first elected president of South Korea after its democratization. He was often called the successor to the dictator. In 1992, Myanmar donated two Buddha relics, which inspired the construction of the Great Buddha statue beneath Tonghwasa Temple on Palgongsan Mountain. It is also the largest stone Buddha in the world. Made of granite from North Jeolla Province, it is said to have consumed over 5,000 tons. Two 17-meter-tall stone pagodas and a 7.6-meter-tall stone lantern were also constructed. In front of the Great Buddha is the Unification Prayer Hall, which features a message from Roh Tae-woo, while behind it is the Dharma Flower Palace, displaying cultural relics. Visitors can find a cushion to sit in front of the Great Buddha and take in its majesty. You can also walk around the Giant Buddha. Interestingly, in front of the pagoda, there are stone lions and pandas. This incongruous arrangement is quite eye-catching. 📍Address: 33 Gongsan-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea 🚗From Ayanggyo Station on the Daegu Subway, transfer to the Red Express Bus No. 1 and get off at the Donghwasa Temple entrance. #SeptemberGoodPlaces2025