Gatbawi is a medicinal Buddha shrine and national treasure, some 850m above sea level and said to date back to AD 638. This Buddha is famed for the flat stone ‘hat’ hovering over its head, 15cm thick. Incense wafts and mountain mist make it quite a spiritual experience. Plan on a challenging, though enjoyable, two-hour (return) hike. About 20 minutes into the hike, the trail leads to a small temple.
For a longer and not-as-steep hike, pick up the dirt trail behind the temple. For a shorter but steeper walk up stone steps, turn left at the small pagoda in the temple compound. Note: the trails are often packed on weekends.
Bus 401 (₩1200) runs here from outside Dongdaegu station to Gatbawi bus stop, where the hikes begin.
