Daegu
Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea. The comfortable train journey from Seoul takes approximately three hours. The city has a modern feel to it, but nonetheless I managed to find a Hanok, traditional guesthouse, to stay in.
The Medicine Market
Daegu is renowned for the medicine market which dates back to the 16th century. Now, the market is made up of clinics and wholesalers housed in clean and modern shops and buildings. The Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine is within the market and includes a wealth of information on natural medicines for different medical and mental conditions. The museum also gives an insight into Sasang Typology of Korean medicine which makes recommendation for helpful and harmful foods based on classifying people into four types. The system bares some similarity to the Ayurvedic tradition.
Donghwasa Temple Complex
Donghwasa Temple has a history stretching back more than 1500 years. Heading out into the mountains from Daegu, it takes around two hours to reach Donghwasa Temple by bus.
The temple is a compact collection of pavilions, halls, pagodas and statues. The complex has undergone many transformations over the centuries. The exquisite Daeungjeon Hall was rebuilt in the 18th century.
The towering Medicine Buddha was inaugurated in 1992, and at 33 metres (including the base) is the world’s largest stone Buddha.
Donghwasa is part of Templestay which offers the opportunity to stay overnight and experience life in the temple.
