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Palgongsan is a mountain with an elevation of 1,192 meters that spans Daegu Dong-gu, Gunwi-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Gyeongsan-si, Yeongcheon-si, and Chilgok-gun. Designated as a provincial park in May 1980, it was elevated to a national park in 2023, becoming the 23rd national park in South Korea. Palgongsan is highly regarded for its natural ecosystem, scenic beauty, and cultural landscapes. It is home to 5,296 species of wildlife, including 15 endangered species such as the red bat, hawk, and otter. Natural scenic resources include 39 mountain peaks, 10 unique rock formations, and 19 valleys. The park also contains abundant cultural assets, including 30 nationally designated cultural properties, 61 provincially designated cultural properties, and 1 registered cultural asset. Palgongsan National Park Gatbawi Area is visited year-round and features a viewpoint in front of Gatbawi where visitors can see the mountain range of Palgongsan at a glance, with the Gwanbong Seokjo Yeorae Jwasang statue at the summit. This statue, believed to be the second most mysterious Buddha statue after Seokguram, was carved from a natural rock on Palgongsan peak by the monk Uihyeon during the Unified Silla period to pray for his deceased mother. The statue is called Gatbawi because it wears a natural stone shaped like a traditional Korean gat hat on its head. The rock on its head was not originally formed together but is said to have been carved with a lotus-patterned crown and placed there during the Goryeo Dynasty. There is a legend that sincerely praying to this statue will grant one wish, attracting many visitors.