If you've seen the 'Saza-Boys' in K-Pop: Demon Hunters, you've definitely noticed their iconic hats—the 'Gat'. Today, I climbed 1,365 grueling steps to meet the "Original Boss" of the Gat: the most powerful stone Buddha in Korea, Palgongsan Gatbawi.
The Destination for "Miracle-Seekers"
Gatbawi is a place every Korean knows, especially those with desperate wishes. Whether it’s parents praying for their children’s exams or job seekers dreaming of a breakthrough, this temple is the ultimate destination.
To be honest, I’d never dared to go until now. It’s a two-hour drive from home, and the rumors of the "infamous" 1,365 stone steps kept me away. But today, with a friend's encouragement, I finally faced the challenge.
The "Sacred Umbrella" on Top of the Mountain
Despite the freezing winter air, the trail was packed. After a climb that made my legs shake like jelly, the sight at the peak was breathtaking. Unlike typical temples, this Buddha stands majestically under the open sky, wearing a massive stone hat.
The name 'Gatbawi' (갓바위) explains it all:
✔ 'Gat' (갓): The traditional hat (the one Saza-Boys wear!)
✔ 'Bawi' (바위): A massive rock.
Historians believe this 'Gat' was meticulously carved and placed there separately over a thousand years ago. It acts as a "Sacred Umbrella," shielding our prayers from the distractions of the world so the Buddha can focus solely on our sincere wishes. Seeing this masterpiece at such a high altitude was truly surreal—a bridge between ancient tradition and modern trend.
108 Bows and a Soul-Soothing Reward
Inspired by the crowd, I began 108 prostrations (bows). My legs were screaming, and I almost quit after the 3rd bow, but seeing everyone—young and old—continuing without a pause kept me going. I finished all 108 bows, offered my candle and rice (Gongyangmi), and felt a profound sense of peace.
Before leaving, I stopped at the souvenir shop. I found a quirky telescopic backscratcher—it’s compact but extends to double its size! A perfect, practical memory of this spiritual journey.
The Ultimate Hiking Feast
In Korea, a hike isn’t over until the "Hiking Feast" begins. The reward for my 1,365-step journey was a crispy Pajeon (scallion pancake) and fresh Bibimbap, paired with a chilled glass of Makgeolli (rice wine). It was, without a doubt, the most delicious meal of my life.
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