DONGHWASA TEMPLE

Donghwasa Temple, with its stunning architecture and towering Tongil Yaksa Buddha statue, is one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples.

Nestled on the slopes of Palgongsan Mountain in Daegu, South Korea, the fortified Donghwasa Temple is a historic and centuries-old sanctuary with a rich history.

Donghwasa Temple isn’t just a place of worship – with its ancient traditions and modern symbolism – it’s a living museum of Korean Buddhist culture and behind its fortified façade it feels like a hidden gem.

So, I was excited to explore this temple not just for a spiritual experience, but also to be amazed by the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, to enjoy the gardens, and to take in the panoramic views that are said to change with each season.

DONGHAWASA TEMPLE - DAEGU -SOUTH KOREA #travel #southkorea #daegu

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The name Donghwasa means ‘Temple of Paulownia Blossoms’ in honour of the legend of flowering trees that were seen to bloom in the temple grounds in wintertime.

I visited in March and I was lucky to see the early cherry blossom buds and other early springtime flowers adding a touch of delicate beauty to the temple and the gardens and the ancient stone structures.

While you might not have heard of Donghwasa Temple before, I feel sure this remarkable sanctuary is about to become your next must-visit destination.

Travel with me to South Korea and the beautiful Donghwasa Temple!

The Backpacking Housewife at Donghwasa Temple — *Travel with me to beautiful Donghwasa Temple!*

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DONGHWASA RETREAT AND STAY PROGRAM

You might also be interested in knowing that Donghwasa Temple is one of the temples in South Korea that offers a Temple Stay and this means you can, should you wish, live like a monk for a while at Donghwasa Temple.

With a temple stay you can ‘relax and heal’ and immerse yourself in Buddhist culture and to learn about Zen meditation, the importance of tea ceremonies, making lotus lanterns, the practice of bowing, and appreciating ‘monastic’ vegetarian meals.

And, if you time your visit right (normally, October) you might also witness the unique Seungsi Festival, celebrating ancient Buddhist traditions.

I wandered around the temple retreat accommodation area in a contemplative mood and considered how wonderful and peaceful it might be to spend time at Donghwasa living like a monk to ‘take a break away from every day life for a while’.

*Should you wish you can live like a monk at Donghwasa Temple*

A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME AND TRADITION

I mentioned a rich history. Donghwasa Temple, also known as Gonghwasa Temple, dates back to 493 AD when it was first founded by the monk Geukdal and named Yugasa Temple.

But, to evolve into the fortified beacon of spirituality and culture that we see here today, this ancient site has certainly weathered history.

The temple here has been destroyed and rebuilt many times over the centuries.

Donghwasa Temple’s layout is now a fascinating journey through Korean Buddhist architecture and the complex features several notable structures.

Many of the buildings we see today at Donghwasa were reconstructed during the Joseon Dynasty, during the reign of King Yeongjo in the 1700s and some were newly built around 1992 and the dedication of the Tongil Yaksa Buddha stone statue.

*Many buildings at Donghwasa were reconstructed during the Joseon Dynasty*

TONGIL YAKSA BUDDHA STATUE

There is a fabulous curved fresco wall of carvings to marvel at – but for me – the shining star in this fascinating temple courtyard is the towering white stone statue of Tongil Yaksa Buddha.

The fabulous curved fresco wall of carvings at Donghwasa Temple — *The fabulous curved fresco wall of carvings*

Standing an impressive 33 metres high inside the temple grounds it is the world’s largest stone Buddha statue and a symbol of the hope for peace and unity on the Korean peninsula.

I gazed up at the Tongil Yaksa Buddha’s serene face in wonder, while listening to a monk in a saffron colour wrap, who was chanting to the beat of his drum and truly felt my heart swell with peace and happiness.

The towering white stone statue of Tongil Yaksa Buddha at Donghwasa Temple Daegu South Korea — *The towering white stone statue of Tongil Yaksa Buddha*

ARCHITECTURAL ASSETS AND SACRED SPACES

Cheonwangmun Gate: To set the tone for your spiritual journey at Donghwasa the imposing and fortified entrance tunnel to the temple is guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings who are stamping on demons. Here you will also find the ticket office.

The road and entrance tunnel to The Cheonwangmun Gate at Donghwasa Temple — *The road and entrance tunnel to The Cheonwangmun Gate*

The tunnel to the Donghwasa Temple is guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings — *The tunnel to the temple is guarded by the Four Heavenly Kings*

Main Buddha Hall: Housing exquisite Buddha statues and intricate murals, this is the heart of the temple’s religious activities.

Buddha Hall is the heart of the temple's religious activities — *Buddha Hall is the heart of the temple’s religious activities*

The Bongseo-lu: is the first building you can see in Donghwasa Temple and this word means ‘Pavilion of the Phoenix’ and echoes Donghwasa Temple’s name of winter phoenix flowering tree.

Stone Pagodas: These ancient structures stand as silent witnesses to centuries of devotion and craftsmanship.

Hermitage Halls: Scattered around the main complex are quiet retreats that offer spaces for deep meditation and reflection.

Beobhwabogung: Underground and beneath Tongil Yaksa Buddha is Beobhwabogung, a Shrine for Buddha’s Sarira and also the Seon Meditation Centre, the Lotus Sutra carved on stones and the restored First Tripitaka, where visitors can experience various Buddhist cultural programmes.

The Donghwasa centre preserves and holds 1200 Buddhist cultural assets — *The centre preserves and holds 1200 Buddhist cultural assets*

Seonbo Museum: This is in the building of Tongil- Daejeon which is located in front of the Tongil Yaksa Buddha Statue. It is a Buddhist related museum which preserves and holds 1200 Buddhist cultural assets and a repository of Buddhist portraits of great Buddhist monks, such as Samyeongdang, thirteen Buddhist treasures and thirty nationally designated cultural assets.

Donghwasa Temple is a living museum of Korean Buddhist culture — *A living museum of Korean Buddhist culture*

The Gardens: The extensive gardens at Donghwasa include streams and ponds, cascading falls, a stone bridge, fountains, stone pagodas, stone lanterns and statues.

*The extensive gardens at Donghwasa are a haven of peace*

*Donghwasa Temple is one of Korea’s most significant Buddhist temples*

A HIDDEN GEM OF KOREAN BUDDHIST HERITAGE

Donghwasa Temple is an easy must-do day trip from the City of Daegu.

Located just 22km northeast from downtown Daegu city centre, it’s easy to get there by car or by public transport.

If you are short of vacation time a visit to Donghwasa Temple can be combined with a cable car trip up to the lofty observation deck on Palgongsan Mountain.

I did the Palgongsan Mountain trip separately from visiting Donghwasa Temple to allow for lots of walking and exploring, interesting sites, incredible views, and fascinating experiences.

I particularly love temples and if you enjoy ‘temple bagging’ as much as I do, then you might also want to read my posts on visiting Angkor Wat in Cambodia and my Top Temple Itinerary for Chiang Mai, Thailand.

BEST TIMES TO VISIT DONGHAWASA

While Donghwasa Temple is beautiful year-round, I particularly appreciated my visit in early spring. I’m told autumn is particularly magical when the forest foliage bursts into a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and golds, creating a breath-taking backdrop.

Visiting Donghwasa Temple is more than just a tourist excursion – it’s a journey of discovery – and here, amidst the whispers of ancient trees and the gentle chime of temple bells, you’ll find a space to reflect, rejuvenate, and reconnect with both nature and your inner self.

Whether you’re drawn by the rich history, the stunning architecture, or the promise of spiritual enlightenment, Donghwasa Temple offers a unique and enriching experience. It’s a place where the past and present mingle, where tradition and modernity find harmony.

Address : Dong-gu DaeguDonghwasa-1-gil . Open all year between 8am -5pm.

So pack your curiosity and open your heart, because in South Korea, the Donghwasa Temple awaits and is ready to share its serenity with you!