Daegu: One Of The Most Overlooked Cities In Korea

Forget Seoul, Suwon or Gyeongju for a moment, and let me take you to one of Korea’s most overlooked cities: Daegu. This dynamic city is the ideal place to explore culture, nature and gastronomy, at no cost!

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Daegu in a few words

Korea’s fourth-largest city, Daegu has a rich history dating back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by the dolmens that remain in one of the parks. But Daegu is best known for its cultural and, in particular, musical aspects, since many artists settled here during the Korean War, making it what it is today: the birthplace of modern music and art.

Best things to do in Daegu on a budget

1. Take a stroll around Duryu Park (두류공원)

Address: 36, Gongweonsunhwan-ro, Dalseo-gu
How to get there: from Daegu station, take the line 1 (orange) and stop at Daemyeong station, and walk around 15mn

With such a vast park in the city, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it! So, if you’re looking for a gentle escape in the heart of Daegu, this is the place! Take the time to stroll around, let yourself be enchanted by the scents of the various flowers that surround the area, admire the view over Seongdang Lake or indulge your passion for reading in the nearby library.

The park is also the ideal place to take superb photos of the E-World 83 tower, the symbol of Daegu!

Pro tip: if you come here in spring, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous pink cherry blossoms!

2. Embrace art and culture on Kim Gwang-Seok Street (김광석다시그리기길)

Address: 6-11 Daebong-dong, Jung-gu
How to get there: you can take the subway (line 2, green), get off at Kyungpook National University Hospital and walk for 10mn before you arrive at the street

As you already know, Daegu is the birthplace of modern music and Kim Gwang-Seok, a very popular folk singer, was born in Daegu. This street, with its many murals depicting the late singer’s life, pays tribute to him.

You can also hear various artists perform soothing, romantic songs in the adjacent open concert hall named after the famous singer.

Sit back, close your eyes and listen to the sweet melody!

3. Explore Daegu by night

As in all the cities I’ve visited, one of the most exciting things I like to do is discover how a place transforms and becomes magical and relaxing at night. The dazzling lights and different rhythms are utterly enchanting, to say the least.

And Daegu is no exception. So, if you’re a night owl or just love exploring the vibrancy of a city at night, Daegu won’t disappoint.
My favorite spot: Dongseongno Spark. This shopping mall/theme park, located in the city’s liveliest district, is the ideal place to have fun, eat or admire amazing views.

Don’t forget to check out the screen in front of Dongseongno, as it displays some wonderful and colorful artwork!

4. Enjoy the picturesque landscape of Suseong Lake (수성못)

Address: Doosan-dong, Suseong-gu
How to get there: from Daegu station, take the subway line 1 (orange) for 3 stops and get off at Myeongdeok station, then transfer to the line 3 (yellow) and finally stop at Suseong Lake station

This artificial lake is the ideal place to find peace and tranquility, surrounded by magnificent mountains.
Here, become one with nature and catch your breath before continuing your discovery of the city!

5. Feel the rush in Apsan Park (앞산공원)

Address: 574-116 Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu
How to get there: from Daegu station, take the subway line 1 (orange) for 5 stops, get off at Yeungnam University Medical Center and take the green bus Nam-gu 1-1 for 15mn before attaining your destination

Looking for the best panoramic views and sunsets in Daegu? Look no further!
Apsan Park, and more specifically Apsan Observatory, is the best place in town to experience the magic of Daegu illuminated by a thousand lights.

To reach the top, you have two options: firstly, the cable car ($6 one way) or the hike (approx. 1 hour) from the Anjiranggol entrance.
Whichever you decide, prepare to be amazed!

6. Take a rest in Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park (경상감영공원)

Address: 99, Gyeongsanggamyeong-gil, Jung-gu
How to get there: four minutes by walk from the subway station Jungang-ro (line 1, orange)

There’s no better place in Daegu to take a well-earned rest, especially after walking and wandering around the city all day. So, if you’re feeling exhausted, why not sit on a bench, eat a little snack bought at the nearby market and enjoy the moment?!?

Pro tip: this is another great place to see the pretty cherry blossoms in spring.

7. Sample local cuisine at Seomun Night Market (서문야시장)

Address: 45, Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu
How to get there: four minutes by walk from Seomun Market station (line 3, yellow)
Opening hours: Fridays through Sundays (19.00-24.00, 23.00 on Sundays)

You can’t visit a city without discovering its gastronomic scene, can you? That’s why, if you’re lucky enough to be here on a weekend, you absolutely must include the Seomun market in your itinerary.

There’s only one thing left to do: sample as many dishes as you like and savor every bite!

How to get to Daegu

From Seoul

• By train:
  It will cost you between $16 and $23 for a 3.5-hour journey from Seoul station to Daegu.
  
• By bus:
  From East Seoul to East Daegu, the journey takes 3.5 hours and costs $22.

From Busan

• By train:
  This time the journey will take 1.5 hours from Busan station and will cost you between $5 and $8.5.
  
• By bus:
  The journey from Busan Seobu bus terminal to Daegu Seobu bus terminal will take 2 hours and cost $12.50.

For more information on train and bus timetables, here are two official websites: Korail and BusTago.

Where to sleep

If you’re on a budget and looking for an affordable, comfortable and pleasant place to sleep, here’s my address:

• Mid Town Hostel Guesthouse: comfortable rooms, less than a kilometer from the Seomun market and Daegu’s liveliest districts, this is a nice hostel at a more than affordable price. Plus, just climb the stairs to the roof for a special view of the sunset!

In a nutshell

Daegu may not be your first choice when traveling to South Korea, but I guarantee that if you give it a chance, the city will surprise and delight you in so many ways! So, are you ready to explore Daegu’s vibrant culture?!?

Fancy exploring another lesser-known small town? Here’s my post on Gurye!

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