Palgongsan

In the lower outskirts of Korea’s, Taebaek Mountain Range rests the modest Palgong-san Provincial Park. Certainly in terms of scale and being a natural spectacle, the park is lacking. However, showcasing Palgong Mountain at a mere 1192m, and dotted with Buddhist temples and statues, it creates a perfect backyard playground for Daegu.

The main trail up to Dongbong peak is completely flooded with daily hikers, however the easy going trail makes for a great first trip to the park. The fall foliage, which I always took for granted at home, creates excellent vistas throughout the hike. From most vantage points the brightly colored sloping valley’s engulfing Daegu make for beautiful scenery.

On the other side of the park and an entirely separate trip in itself, is the home of the infamous Gatbawi Buddha. The short 2km hike to the top of the mountain in the early morning hours, walking to the beating sound of drums, makes for an excellent start to any day, displacing oneself from the real world.  Countless others make the same hike everyday to the peak in order to pay homage and pray to the large stone Buddha carved into the mountains peak.

The park offers countless options for trails, some for the most casual of hikers, while others for those without time restraints to get off the more beaten path. Living so close, I have become a frequent visitor of the park to escape the city and find a sense of peace. It’s not easy finding a better way to start one’s day then a predawn hike encompassed in pure tranquility and serenity.