It is a representative cultural space in Daegu that promotes the importance of wood and offers various experiences using wood. In particular, it has various programs and facilities where children can become familiar with wood and develop creativity, making it popular among family visitors.
Built by Monk Yeongjo in the first year of King Gyeongsun of Silla (927), Anilsa was rebuilt during the Japanese colonial period by Monk Baek Yongseong (an independence activist). King Taejo Wang Geon of Goryeo, after being defeated by Gyeon Hwon and hiding in Eunjungsa Temple, came to Anilsa where he finally found peace, thus it was named An Ilam. It is a branch temple of Donghwasa, the 9th district of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, located halfway up Biseulsan (Apsan), offering a distant view of Daegu city. Reflecting the history of its renovation monks, the spirit of the March 1st Movement is preserved in Anilsa. On January 15, 1915, thirteen people including Yoon Sang-tae, Seo Sang-il, and Lee Si-young gathered here to pledge to work for Korea’s independence and organized the Joseon National Rights Recovery Group Central Headquarters. During the Japanese occupation, independence activists secretly carried out their restoration of national rights movement here, making Anilsa a historically sacred site in our independence movement history. Unfortunately, like many temples, detailed records after its founding are missing, so its full history is unknown. Notably, the wooden seated Buddha Shakyamuni statue enshrined in the Main Buddha Hall is well preserved and shows characteristics of late 17th century wooden Buddha statues in its facial features and drapery. According to relic inscriptions, this statue was created in 1694 (33rd year of Kangxi) by sculptors Tukmil and Bowoo. Also, the inscription from the gilding fundraising document notes that the statue, created 262 years before 1955, was originally enshrined at Daegoksa Temple in Uiseong County but was moved here in 1954 and given a restoration and gilding in 1955. This statue, with known sculptors and production date, is an important resource for understanding the flow of Buddhist statue creation and research during the Joseon Dynasty. However, both hands were lost at the time of creation and are presumed to have been restored recently.
On March 10, 1947, Suwon Baek family member Baek Namhee, a Bodhisattva, received a prophetic dream that building a temple next to her parents' grave would save many sentient beings, and established Baekryunsa Temple. In March 1986, Head Monk Hwang Jeonggwang expanded the temple to its current state. It belongs to Seonhakwon, founded by monks Manhae Yongun, Namjeon Hankyu, Dobong Bonyeon, Seokdu Botaek, Seongwol Iljeon, Mangong Wolmyeon, Yongseong Jinjong, and Chobu Jeogeum. Nearby attractions include Gwandeokjeong, Apsan Sunset Observatory, and Apsan Laundry Park.
Apsan Mountain Haeneomi Observatory, where you can see the scenery of Daegu along with the sunset, is located in Apsan Ppallaeteo Park in Nam-gu. Incorporating the history and symbolism of Apsan Ppallaeteo Park, the observatory's design embodies laundry wring. The ramp leading to the observatory is perfect for walking as you can see the panoramic view of Apsan Mountain and the surrounding landscape.
Apsan Observatory is a tourist attraction where you can see the entire Daegu cityscape at a glance. The observatory building embodies the history and symbolism of Apsan Laundry Site Park, with its design shaped like the act of wringing laundry. The architecture of Apsan Observatory is regarded as a successful blend of city, nature, history, and future. In addition to being popular with tourists, the observatory serves as an educational site for Daegu citizens to learn about what kind of city Daegu is. Access is possible by taking a cable car from Keungol to the observatory (15 minutes) or hiking on the trail from Anjirangol to the observatory (1 hour).
In the past, Apsan Laundry Site was a place where clean water from Apsan always flowed, and women gathered here to do laundry, serving as a space for the people of Daemyeong-dong to share affection. Recently, due to the expansion of Apsan Sunhwan Road, its function as an urban park was diminishing, but it has been revived as a resting place in the city for locals with the reproduction of the old laundry site, sports facilities, a fountain, and amenities. Inside the park, there is a sunset observatory where visitors can enjoy sunset views along with the city nightscape of Daegu Gwangyeoksi. Also, every year around April to May, the Apsan Laundry Site Festival is held throughout the park, offering abundant sights and activities.
