Mount Palgong is the dominant natural feature of Daegu — a forested range rising to 1,193 metres on the city's northern edge, accessible by bus from the city centre in about an hour. Several Buddhist temples sit on its slopes, connected by hiking trails that range from easy valley walks to full summit ascents. The mountain is crowded on weekends; weekday mornings are considerably quieter.
A cable car runs from the base to within reach of the summit ridge, cutting the climb to the Gatbawi Buddha statue to a manageable walk. The views from the top on clear days extend across the Daegu basin to the surrounding mountains. The mountain colours in autumn are exceptional.
Donghwasa, the largest temple on the mountain, can be reached by bus or taxi from the city and has a colossal outdoor seated Buddha — 33 metres high, built in 1992 — that is visible from the approach road. The temple complex dates to the 5th century and has several well-preserved halls and a small museum.