Things To Do
in Daegu
Daegu is a vibrant city located in the southeastern part of South Korea, known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and warm, continental climate that distinguishes it from the cooler, coastal cities. It is a bustling urban center that offers a blend of modern conveniences and traditional experiences, including bustling markets, serene temples, and an array of parks and museums.
Daegu also serves as a major hub for the textile industry, further bolstering its economy and making it an essential part of South Korea's development.
- "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
- "죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "네 (Ne)" - Yes
- "아니요 (Aniyo)" - No
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Visit the stunning Donghwasa Temple to see its serene atmosphere and beautiful natural surroundings. Take time to admire the giant Buddha statue and participate in a meditation session if available.
Head to the Daegu Modern History Museum to explore the city's intriguing past. The exhibits provide insight into Daegu's role during significant historical events.
Stroll through the vibrant streets of Seomun Market and enjoy some local street food like hotteok and tteokbokki. The atmosphere becomes lively with locals and tourists alike enjoying the evening ambiance.
Start your day with a hike in Palgong Mountain, known for its beautiful trails and stunning views. Breathe in the fresh air as you enjoy nature’s beauty.
Visit the scenic Dongmyeongsa Temple located on the mountain. Take some time to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Return to Daegu city and enjoy dinner at a local Korean BBQ restaurant. The experience is social and will give you a taste of traditional Korean dining.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites and traditional festivals.
- Delicious local cuisine, including dishes like jjigae and sashimi.
- Affordable cost of living compared to larger cities like Seoul.
- Vibrant shopping areas and markets.
- Access to beautiful natural surroundings, including mountains and parks.
- Limited English-speaking population can pose challenges for tourists.
- Public transportation options may not be as extensive as in bigger cities.
- Hot and humid summers can be uncomfortable for some.
- Job opportunities may be less abundant compared to larger metropolitan areas.
- Cultural activities and nightlife may be slower-paced than in more cosmopolitan cities.
Best Activities in Daegu
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a scenic hike up Apsan Mountain, where you can experience beautiful views of Daegu and its surroundings.
Explore the tranquil atmosphere of Donggyeongsa Temple, surrounded by nature and ideal for a peaceful outdoor experience.
A large urban park perfect for picnics, walking, cycling, and enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms in season.
Rent a bike and cycle along the Nakdong River, offering a flat and picturesque route for outdoor enthusiasts.
Trek to Gatbawi, a famous stone Buddha statue with stunning views, spiritual significance, and a rewarding hiking experience.
Visit the Daegu Arboretum to enjoy various plant species, walking trails, and tranquil gardens, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
Enjoy bird watching, walking trails, and beautiful natural scenery at this wetland park, ideal for family outings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Daegu with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Daegu
Visit one of these nice places.
Apsan Park offers stunning panoramic views of Daegu from the summit. The cable car ride to the top provides excellent photo opportunities along the way, and the observation deck at the peak is perfect for capturing the city skyline.
Known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage, Eungbong Mountain is a fantastic location for photography. The summit offers sweeping views of Daegu, making it a favorite spot for sunset shots.
Daegu Tower, also known as 83 Tower, features an observation deck that offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas. The illuminated tower at night creates unique photo opportunities.
Duryu Park is a large urban park that provides a variety of picturesque settings, including lakes, walking trails, and scenic views of Duryu Mountain. The park is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season.
Donghwa Temple offers a serene and picturesque backdrop with its traditional architecture and the surrounding nature. The unique placement of the temple provides excellent photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Food in Daegu
Daegu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A famous dish from the nearby city of Andong, this chicken dish is simmered in soy sauce with vegetables and sweet potato noodles. It can be found at various restaurants throughout Daegu, such as Andong Jjimdak Alley in Dongin-dong.
Must-Try!
A popular local dessert, Sulbing is a shaved ice dish topped with sweet red beans, fruit, and optional add-ons like ice cream or matcha powder. One of the best places to try it is Sulbing Sikdang in Dongseong-ro.
The combination of fried chicken (‘chikin’) and beer (‘maekju’) has a dedicated following in Daegu. Head to the lively Banwoldang area for numerous chimaek establishments.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and largest markets in South Korea, Seomun Market offers an array of street food stalls serving local favorites such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), gimbap (seaweed rice rolls), and various skewered meats.
Named after a famous Korean singer, this bustling area is lined with food vendors serving up a variety of street food, including hotteok (sweet pancakes), soondae (Korean blood sausage), and bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In South Korea, it is customary to greet others with a bow. This gesture shows respect and acknowledgment of the other person’s presence. A deeper bow is a sign of greater respect, especially towards elders.
When passing items, such as gifts or business cards, it is polite to use both hands. This indicates respect for the person you are interacting with and emphasizes the importance of the item being given or received.
In Daegu, personal space is valued, especially in public settings. It’s important to maintain an appropriate distance during conversations. Additionally, be mindful of not touching without consent, as this may be seen as intrusive.
Safety
Tipping in Daegu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Daegu, South Korea, is generally not a common practice. Service charges are usually included in the overall bill, especially in restaurants and cafes. However, for exceptional service, some locals may choose to leave small amounts of change as a token of appreciation, but this is not expected.
Payments in Daegu can be made using cash or various electronic methods, including credit and debit cards. Mobile payment systems are also widely accepted, with applications like KakaoPay and Naver Pay being popular. Many establishments, including restaurants and shops, support card payments, making transactions convenient for both locals and tourists.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring in Daegu, typically from March to May, is characterized by mild temperatures and beautiful cherry blossoms. This is one of the best times to visit as you can enjoy the blooming of flowers and various cultural festivals, making it a vibrant time for outdoor activities.
Summer, from June to August, tends to be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). This season may also bring monsoon rains, but it's a great time for water-based activities and exploring the city's air-conditioned indoor attractions.
Autumn spans from September to November, offering cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage. This is considered one of the best times to visit Daegu, as the weather is pleasant, and the autumn leaves create picturesque landscapes.
Winter in Daegu lasts from December to February, with temperatures dipping to around 0°C (32°F) and occasional snowfall. While it can be cold, the city offers beautiful winter scenery and opportunities to enjoy winter sports in nearby mountainous areas.
Daegu at Night
Hiking in Daegu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Apsan Park is one of the most popular hiking spots in Daegu, offering scenic trails and beautiful views of the city from the summit.
Biseulsan is a well-known mountain near Daegu, featuring various trails and stunning landscapes, especially during the fall with its vibrant foliage.
Palgong Mountain is famous for its hiking trails and picturesque views. It also hosts the Donghwasa Temple, adding cultural significance to the hike.
Located a bit further from Daegu, Gayasan National Park provides beautiful hiking routes, including trails to the famed Haeinsa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Deogyusan National Park, while a bit farther, offers challenging hikes, diverse flora and fauna, and beautiful mountain landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Daegu by plane.
Located about 50 kilometers west of Seoul, Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and one of the busiest in the world.
Situated in western Seoul, Gimpo International Airport handles domestic flights as well as international flights, making it a key airport for the region.
Located about 10 kilometers from Busan, this airport serves the southern region of South Korea and offers various international flights.
Located on Jeju Island, this airport is a major gateway for domestic and international travelers seeking to visit the popular tourist destination.
Situated near Mokpo, this airport serves as a regional hub for flights to Jeju and provides some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group, comprising the vast majority of the population.
Includes expatriates and immigrants from various countries, including Southeast Asia, China, and Western nations.
Includes smaller groups such as Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Filipino communities.
A significant demographic group, encompassing both local and international students, especially in higher education.
A growing demographic due to the aging population in South Korea.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Daegu, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fanbase supporting the Daegu FC team in the K League.
Baseball enjoys a significant following in Daegu, with the Samsung Lions being a major team in the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO) league.
Basketball is widely played and followed in Daegu, home to the Daegu Korean National University of Education team, and multiple amateur leagues.
Volleyball is popular in schools and community leagues, with events often organized at local gyms and sports complexes.
As a traditional Korean martial art, Taekwondo is practiced by many residents of Daegu, with several dojos and schools offering lessons.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Daegu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While vegetarian and vegan options may be less common in traditional Korean eateries, some restaurants in Daegu, especially in more urban areas, offer dishes tailored to these dietary preferences. Look for places offering bibimbap (mixed rice dish with vegetables), vegetable kimbap, or tofu-based soups.
Gluten-free options can be a bit challenging to find in Daegu, but some international restaurants and health-conscious cafes may offer gluten-free alternatives. It’s recommended to communicate any dietary restrictions clearly to the staff to ensure a suitable meal.