SOUTH KOREA – PALGONGSAN MOUNTAIN
Palgongsan Mountain and Provincial Park is a fabulous and easy day trip from the City of Daegu in South Korea.
Daegu is South Korea’s fourth largest city and has so much to offer in the the way of city life and city escapes that it always amazes me how many tourists seem to miss adding Daegu as a destination in their Korean travel itinerary.
Daegu is less than two hours from Seoul if you take the Busan bound KTX Train (South Korea’s Bullet Train) and is a wonderful metropolitan yet also traditional Korean city – often considered the most conservative in South Korea – and is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests and hiking trails.
If you haven’t heard of Daegu and would like to know more about this fabulous destination do read my post My Top 10 Things To Do In Daegu and see my Top Travel Tip For South Korea in this quick video clip below!
- SOUTH KOREA – PALGONGSAN MOUNTAIN
- PALGONGSAN VIEWS, HIKING TRAILS, TEMPLES & SHRINES
- PALGONGSAN CABLE CAR
- FESTIVALS ON THE MOUNTAIN
- GETTING TO PALGONGSAN MOUNTAIN FROM DAEGU
PALGONGSAN VIEWS, HIKING TRAILS, TEMPLES & SHRINES
Because Daegu is situated in a land basin it tends to trap heat in the summer but often benefits from milder winters.
In summer, this means Daegu often has some of the highest temperatures in Korea.
A trip to the mountains is a perfect way for visitors and locals to get some cleaner fresher and cooler air.
This makes Palgongsan Mountain, in the Korean Taebaek Mountain Range, a popular destination for those who appreciate scenic hiking trails and more.
There are also several important temples, statues, shrines, and pagodas, on and around the mountain with Donghwasa Temple being the most famous.
There are many legends associated with Palgongsan, especially around the Gatbawi Buddha, which is believed to grant wishes and have mystical powers.
The word Palgong means Eight Peaks and stands at 1,192 meters or 3,911 feet above sea level.
PALGONGSAN CABLE CAR
For those not inclined to hike there is a cable car that will whisk you from the lower levels of the Provincial Park and take you gliding over the rising forest canopy.
At the top of the mountain there is a viewing platform and observation deck and a café and from the top station you can access additional hiking trails or walk to nearby scenic spots including rocky outcrops and forest paths.
The cable car operates year-round and taking the cable car gondola is a fun and fabulous way to see the stunning views of the surrounding areas including the city of Daegu in the distance while helping you access the higher points of the mountain without a strenuous climb.
It takes around ten minutes for the cable car to reach near the summit.
Many visitors like to take the cable car up the mountain and then hike back down.
In the autumn (October to November) it’s an especially beautiful time to visit Palgongsan Mountain when the mountain’s slopes are covered in vibrant red, orange, and yellow foliage.
In March and April, the cherry blossoms in the park and fresh greenery on the mountain make springtime another beautiful time to visit.
I’ve visited Palgongsan in the summer and in the Autumn/Fall when it was reasonably quiet but I’m told in busy seasons and especially at weekends there is often a line of people waiting for the cable car.
It’s one of my favourite places to visit in South Korea and I hope you enjoy my photos and video clips!
FESTIVALS ON THE MOUNTAIN
The Palgongsan Maple Festival is held annually in autumn to celebrate the vibrant fall foliage and visitors enjoy performances, exhibitions, and local food.
Similarly, during significant Buddhist holidays like Buddha’s Birthday (usually in May) the temples on Palgongsan and surrounding areas are decorated with lanterns, and visitors come to offer prayers and to participate in ceremonies.
Operating Hours: The cable car generally operates from the morning until late afternoon, though exact hours may vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It’s best to check ahead before visiting.
Ticket Prices: There is an admission fee for the cable car with both round-trip and one-way options available. Discounts available for children, seniors, and groups.
GETTING TO PALGONGSAN MOUNTAIN FROM DAEGU
Location: The Palgongsan Cable Car’s base station is located near Donghwasa Temple, which I highly recommend to you as a combined or a separate visit.
Car: For those driving, there are parking facilities available near the base station.
Bus: To reach Palgongsan Mountain from Daegu city you can take one of the many frequent and inexpensive city buses to the provincial park. Take the red bus #1 to the end of the line and then walk up the hill.
WHERE TO STAY IN DAEGU
WHERE TO STAY IN DAEGU NEAR TO PALGONGSAN MOUNTAIN
LUXURY STAY – THE DAEGU MARRIOTT HOTEL
OR FIND YOUR IDEAL ACCOMODATION USING THIS MAP
If you enjoyed this post and a fan of cable cars you’ll also want to see my post on Apsan Mountain from Daegu.
Are you planning to travel to South Korea?
Did you know about Daegu?
Have you ever explored Palgongsan Mountain?
Or do you plan to do so?
Let me know and leave a comment in the box below!
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