Stuart HendricksOn a superficial level, Daegu might seem like almost every other Korean city — noraebangs, coffee shops, and endless alleyways, with not much else special on offer. Dig a little deeper, however, and you’ll discover that this busy metropolis is a hive of activity for visitors and locals alike. Here’s where the action is.
Also read: 11 Reasons To Include Daegu In Your Next Korea Trip Itinerary
Otgol Village
Kick off your Daegu visit with a classic Korean hanok experience at Otgol Village. This small settlement of 20 traditional Korean dwellings is located just outside Daegu. The structures’ concave architectural design is a unique feature among villages built during the Joseon Dynasty. A trip here gives you a sense of how tribespeople lived during the height of the Joseon Dynasty.
Suseong Lake
Suseong Lake is best taken in at a slow, leisurely pace, with each season offering something different to visitors. Spring brings with it the gorgeous pink cherry blossoms, while late sunsets in summer mean you can amble about into the evening and watch the water light shows from the lake boardwalk. Even during the colder winter months, this still makes for a great date with that special someone. Simply grab a cuppa joe from one of the nearby coffee shops and settle down for some people-watching while taking in the stunning view.
Address: 725, Sang-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
How to get there: From Daegu, take the Bus 403/410/449/564 to Suseong Lake
Image credit: Thorfinn Stainforth
Donghwasa Temple and the Giant Standing Buddha
The 33-metre Standing Buddha is the showpiece attraction at Donghwasa Temple in Mount Palgongsa. The statue is said to be the largest of its type in Asia. Buddha’s birthday is the best time to visit as it heralds the start of the annual lantern festival. Expect to see the temple and its surroundings adorned with a vivid array of paper lanterns. The best thing to do here would be to make the most of an area that includes lush forests, ornate shrines, and impressive statues.
Address: 1, Donghwasa 1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Image credit: martinroell
The bright lights of Banwoldang
A trip to any Korean downtown district is pure hedonism, and Banwoldang is no different. Get lost in this labyrinth of alleyways with its blinding LED lights and blaring music while you find the best deals in Korean fashion. There are also a good few expat jaunts in this area if you’re feeling a little homesick — just search for places like Buy the Book Café and GoDo Retro Bar for some stylish yet laid back hideaways.
Apsan Park
The Apsan Park peak sits at 790m above sea level, giving you sweeping views of Daegu and its surrounding valleys and mountains. Keen photographers can bring along their cameras and tripods for some spectacular sunsets across the city, and you won’t have to worry about breaking too much of a sweat as the cable car will take you all the way to the top. Attractions at the foot of the mountain include horse riding, swimming, and archery.
Address: 574-87, Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Seomon Market
If this is your first time at a Korean market, you’re in for a treat. The Seomon Market houses more than 4000 stalls, with a wide range of food, textiles, and trinkets. The textiles are the highlight, however, as you can pick up fabric that would otherwise be very difficult to obtain elsewhere. Think rolls on rolls of shimmering silk and soft satin, all ready to appease your inner seamstress.
Image credit: nayamola
Address: 45, Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
E-World 83 Tower
The E-World 83 Tower offers unrivaled views of the Daegu skyline, particularly at night, when the bright city lights and the Nakdong River make you feel like the world is at your feet. Not content with being a one-trick pony, this attraction also serves some enticing cuisine on the third floor; it also features an ice-rink and illusion museum on the lower levels. Sounds like an ideal night out, doesn’t it?
Image credit: RedMosQ
Address: 200, Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Also read: 29 Fun Things to Do in Seoul on Your Very First Visit
So on your next visit to South Korea, don’t just write off Daegu. We assure you it’s worth checking out.
