This is the 1,000-year-old Gatbawie, or “Seated Buddha,” about halfway up Palgongsan, a mountain just north of Daegu.  It’s a fairly steep 2-kilometer (1.2 mile) trek from the parking lot, but a very popular day hike.  On weekends, the crowds can be big enough to make the experience unpleasant for someone with a touch of claustrophobia.

 

Historically, whoever controlled Palgongsan controlled most of the region, so this area has been the site of countless battles.  The custom when paying homage to Buddha is to bring him one and only one prayer.  Looking at the serene but rather serious expression on his face here, it’s easy to imagine that he has his own prayer.  If he’s been praying for peace, he’s been waiting a long time, but what a worthy prayer it would be.