Daegu | The tranquil beauty of the thousand-year-old Donghwasa Temple: Experience the ascetic life while staying at the temple

Tonghwasa Temple, located on Mount Palgong in Daegu, is said to have been first built in 493 AD during the reign of King Joji of Silla. It was originally called Yugyasa Temple and was later rebuilt by King Simdeok in the 7th year of King Heungdeok. The temple was renamed "Donghwasa" because the paulownia flowers bloomed despite the cold in winter.

The temple has undergone numerous destructions and reconstructions, with most of its buildings dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. The current Daewongjeon Hall was rebuilt in 1727. Tonghwasa Temple belongs to the Jogye Order and is the head temple of the nine dioceses of North Gyeongsang Province, holding a high status.

In Korea, it's quite interesting that after worshipping, people often pile up stone pagodas to make wishes. Therefore, small stone piles can be seen in front of and behind the Daewongjeon Hall. The altar houses Sakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Medicine Buddha, while the courtyard is decorated with colorful lanterns expressing people's prayers.

I happened to encounter a cat here. It was quiet and quiet, lying in front of the Daewongjeon Hall, as if meditating. It was quite interesting. Donghwasa Temple also houses buildings like the Sansingak Temple and Piluam Temple. Interestingly, I happened to meet a group of young people in monk robes that day and learned that the temple offers a two-day, one-night residential retreat experience, which includes meditation, bracelet stringing, bell worship, and vegetarian meals. Many parents send their children here, and foreigners are welcome to sign up.

📍Address: 1 Donghwasa 1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
🚗From Ayanggyo Station, transfer to the red express bus No. 1 and get off at the Donghwa Facility Group stop.
#9月好去2025

Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 25, 2025