Top 10 daegu Attractions You must Visit
Daegu officially known as the Daegu Metropolitan City, is a city in South Korea, the fourth-largest after Seoul, Busan and Incheon, the third-largest metropolitan area in the nation with over 2.5 million residents and the second-largest city in Yeongnam after Busan. It was overtaken by Incheon in the 2000s, but still it is said to be the third city according to the “Act on the Establishment of Daegu City and Incheon City”. Daegu and surrounding North Gyeongsang Province are often referred to as Daegu-Gyeongbuk, with a total population over 5 million.
Daegu is located in south-eastern Korea about 80 km (50 mi) from the seacoast, near the Geumho River and its mainstream, Nakdong River in Gyeongsang-do. The Daegu basin is the central plain of the Yeongnam region. In ancient times, the Daegu area was part of the proto-kingdom Jinhan. Subsequently, Daegu came under the control of the Silla Kingdom, which unified the Korean Peninsula. During the Joseon Dynasty period, the city was the capital of Gyeongsang-do, one of the traditional eight provinces of the country.
Daegu History
Daegu City, located on a fertile stretch of land next to Geumhogang River and Sincheon Stream, is a city that was established long ago under ideal natural living conditions and has maintained its unique local culture ever since.
Archeological relics from the Old Stone Age and New Stone Age have been unearthed in Wolseong-dong and Seobyeon-dong in Daegu, confirming that human beings have lived in the area since approximately 20,000 years ago, ever since the Old Stone Age.
On August 15, 1945, Korea regained its independence and was liberated out from under decades of Japanese colonial rule. In 1948, the government of the Republic of Korea was officially inaugurated, and the following year, the Local Autonomy Act was passed, through which Daegu-bu was renamed Daegu City. During the Korean War in 1950, Daegu became a shelter for numerous refugees, and played a critical role as one of the key strongholds of the Nakdonggang River Battle. During the war, the artists and cultural leaders of Daegu engaged in a variety of creative activities to express the sorrows of the nation; these activities evolved into the contemporary culture and arts for which the city is still known today.
In 1981, Daegu City was promoted and given the title of Daegu Direct-Controlled Municipality through the addition of Wolbae-eup, Seongseo-eup, and Gongsan-myeon of Dalseong-gun, Chilgok-eup of Chilgok-gun, and Ansim-eup and Gosan-myeon of Gyeongsan-gun. In 1995, with the addition of Dalseong-gun, the city became known as Daegu Metropolitan City, firmly establishing Daegu as a central city of the Yeongnam region. To date, Daegu Metropolitan City has hosted numerous international events including the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, Summer Universiade 2003, World Championships in Gymnastics 2011, World Energy Congress 2013, and World Water Forum 2015, further solidifying its reputation as an international city.
Things to do here
- Daegu Modern History Street
- Kim Gwangseok-gil Street
- Palgongsan Natural Park
- Bullo-dong Ancient Tomb park.
- Daegu Arboretum
- Daegu Dalseong Park
- Suseong Lake
- Daegu Apsan Park
- Hill Crest
- Daegu Seomun Market
Daegu Modern History Street
Daegu Modern History Street offers an experience trip to see the modern history that lives on in the alleyways of Daegu. Compared to other regions, Daegu suffered less damage during the Korean War, allowing the city to clearly show the changes that happened from before and after the war. The course includes locations that were important venues of historical moments from the previous generations.
Useful Informations
- Address: 99, Gyeongsanggamyeong-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 경상감영길 99 (포정동) - Phone: +82-53-661-3327
- Homepage: www.jung.daegu.kr
How to get here:
By [Subway]
Jungang-ro Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), Exit 4.
kim Gwangseok-gil Street
Kim Kwangseok-gil Street is a mural street near Bangcheon Market where the now deceased Kim Kwang-seok used to live. The 350 meter-long wall has statues and murals depicting his life and music. Every autumn, the area of Bangcheon Market and Dongseongno hosts a “Kim Kwang-seok Singing Contest.”
Useful Informations
- Address: Dalgubeol-daero 450-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 달구벌대로450길 (대봉동) - Phone: +82-53-661-3328
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an express bus to Seo Daegu Express Bus Terminal.
Cross the street in the opposite direction of the bus terminal, take Bus No. 309 at Manpyeong Negeori (four-way intersection) Bus Stop and get off in front of Bangcheon Market (Kim Gwangseok-gil) Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 328m and take a right at the first big four-way.
Palgongsan Natural Park
Palgongsan Natural Park is located close to Palgongsan Mountain, one of the larger mountains in the Taebaek mountain range. Palgongsan Mountain is located 20km northeast from downtown Daegu, where Nakdonggang River and Geumhogang River meet. The mountain has three peaks in a row: Birobong Peak in the center and Dongbong (aka ‘Mitabong,’ 1,155m) and Seobong (aka ‘Samseongbong,’ 1,150m) on each side.
The park is within the administrative district of Dong-gu, Daegu and has four towns along its border including Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsan-si, and Chilgok-gun. A number of Buddhist temples including Donghwasa, the headquarters of the 9th Buddhist Parish, are located in the area.
The park has numerous rocks and valleys and is carpeted with azaleas in the spring. In the autumn many visitors flock to the park to admire the falls leaves on the trees lining the 16.3km-long roadway that runs through the park. With vibrant green leaves in spring and a delicate snowscape in the winter, Palgongsan Mountain is an attractive destination for visitors throughout the year.
Useful Informations
- Address: 229, Gatbawi-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 동구 갓바위로 229 (진인동) - Phone: +82-53-939-0080
- Mountain Not Access Period
Annual Forest Fire Prevention Period
Spring: February 15 – May 15 / Autumn: November 1 – December 15
* Subject to change based on weather conditions
Hiking Course
[Course 1] Gatbawi service area – Gwanamsa Temple – Gatbawi Rock
[Course 2] Gatbawi service area – Gatbawi Rock – Inbong Peak – Dongbong Peak – Donghwasa Temple
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an express bus bound for Dongdaegu.
[Local Bus]
From Dong Daegu Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), take Bus 401 or Express Bus 1 (급행1).
Get off at the entrance of Donghwasa Temple.
Bullo-dong Ancient Tomb Park
About 200 tombs are located on a hillock in Bullo-dong, Dong-gu near Geumhogang River. The Ancient Tombs in Bullo-dong, which have been designated as Historic Site No. 262, were formed during the Three Kingdoms period. It is speculated to be a mass burial site of all those who settled and controlled this region during ancient times.
Useful Informations
- Address: Bullo-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 동구 불로동 - Phone: +82-53-662-4103
- Homepage: www.dong.daegu.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Daegu Station, take Bus No. 101, 101-1 or 401 and get off at Bullo-dong Catholic Church Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 5 min.
Daegu Arboretum
Image by Visit Daegu
Daegu Arboretum is located at the site of an old sanitary landfill. The restoration of the area passed through many stages from 1996 until the opening in May 2002. It is home to more than thousands of species of plants including giant cacti, flowers, medicinal herbs, and trees in 21 gardens. The arboretum serves as an ecological education center and rest area for Daegu citizens. Ecology experience programs for students and young children are held regularly during summer vacation. Nearby attractions include Apsan and Duryu Parks, as well as Palgongsan and Biseulsan Mountains.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
September-April 09:00-18:00
May-August 08:00-19:00 - Activity Information
Summer camp, natural dye activity, plant care education, guided tour, etc. - Available Facilities
Themed gardens, exhibition hall, outdoor exhibition, experience classroom, visitors center - Address: 342, Hwaam-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 달서구 화암로 342 - Phone: +82-53-803-7270
- Homepage: www.daegu.go.kr/Forestry
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Dongdaegu Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 106 to Jinwol Elementary School Bus Stop.
Daegu Dalseong Park
Dalseong Daegu Park (also referred to as ‘Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park‘) is the oldest and most intimate outdoor leisure places in Daegu. In the park, there is a grass plaza, cultural hall, zoo, and monument inscribed with the poem of the famous poet Lee Sanghwa.
The park was once a fortress location of Dalgubeol, a tribal country of the Samhan/Three Kingdoms Era rooted in the area now known as Daegu. When the Sino-Japanese War broke out from 1894 to 1895, the land served as a Japanese military base. In 1905 (the 9th year of King Gojong of the Joseon dynasty) the park was created and in February 1965 the City of Daegu transformed the park into the well-organized leisure area we know and love today.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
05:00-21:00 - Available Facilities
Zoo, local dish history hall, flower garden, walking trail, tennis court, convenience store, rest area, drinking fountain, etc. - Address: 35, Dalseonggongwon-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 달성공원로 35 (달성동) - Phone: +82-53-803-7350
- Homepage: www.daegu.go.kr/Dalseongpark
How to get here:
By [Subway + Bus]
Seomun Market Station (Daegu Subway Line 2), Exit 5.
Take Bus No. 300, 414, 414-1, 427, 808, 836, 939, Donggu 2, Bukgu 2, or Bukgu 3 and get off at Dalseong Park Bus Stop.
Suseong Lake
Suseongmot Lake Resort is located at the foot of the northwest side of Yongjibong Peak (alt. 629 m) in Beommul-dong and offers outstanding scenery including gentlly sloping mountains along with Suseongmot Lake. The resort is centered around Suseongmot Lake, established in 1925 with 70,000 pondage in a circumfrence of 2,020 meters. The total area of the park is 218,000 ㎡.
Suseongmot Lake is an artificial lake created in 1925 during the Japanese colonial period to supply water for agriculture to rural areas. Today, it is no longer used for agricultural purposes, but has been turned into a resting area. Nearby the lake is Suseong Land which houses benches, trees, cruise boarding dock, biking, bumper car, merry-go round and other entertainment facilities. In addition, visitors can enjoy a duck-boat ride, view of Dusanpokpo Falls and other exciting places perfect for excursion.
The lake has a music fountain that operates from May to October four times a day.
Useful Informations
- Available Facilities
Suseongmot Lake, swan boat & cruise, riverside promenade, stage, tourism information center, book café, Suseong Land, Suseong Park Land, music fountain, etc. - Address: 35-5, Yonghak-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 수성구 용학로 35-5 (상동) - Phone: +82-53-666-2863
- Homepage: www.suseong.kr
How to get here:
By [Train + Bus]
Take an SRT Train to Dong Daegu Station.
From Dong Daegu Station, take Bus No. 814 and get off at TBC Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 497 m.
Daegu Apsan Park
Apsan is a 600 meter-high mountain in Nam-gu, Daegu-si. At the front and back of the mountain are Sanseongsan Mountain (653m) and Daedeoksan Mountain; Apsan Park is located in the valley where the three mountains converge.
Apsan Park is one of the largest urban-eco parks in Daegu, covering an area of around 508 pyeong (approx. 1,680 meters squared). A cable car runs 790m up Apsan and at the foot of the mountain are leisure facilities where visitors can enjoy archery, horseback riding, and swimming. There is also a monument that commemorates the poet Yi Ho-wu as well as Nakdonggang River War Memorial Hall (established in 1979) and Keungol Daedeok Dongsan Hill, which has a fabulous garden perfect for dates or family outings.
As a major leisure place for Daegu citizens, the park has numerous walking trails. Largely, the routes can be categorized into three groups: ones that start from the park and connect to Apsan Mountain, those that go from the park to Sanseongsan Mountain, and those that wind along to Daedeoksan Mountain. The length of the paths varies from 2km to 4km, allowing visitors to choose the path that best fits their capabilities and preferences. Visitors can capture the view of Daegu from the Apsan Observatory after getting off the cable car.
Useful Informations
- Address: 574-87, Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 남구 앞산순환로 574-87 (대명동) - Phone: +82-53-625-0967
- Hiking Course
[Daegu Suburb Trekking Course]
Course 1: Yongdugol Entrance – Sports equipment – Sanseongsan Mountain (3.0km)
Course 2: Yongdubangcheon Stream – Yongdutoseong Earthen Fortress– Sanseongsan Mountain (4.4km)
Course 3: Gosangol Entrance – Beopjangsa Temple – Sanseongsan Mountain (3.2km)
Course 4: Sanseongsan Entrance – KT – Sanseongsan Mountain (4.3km)
Course 5: Keungol Entrance – Daedeok Shelter – Apsan Mountain (3.2km)
Course 6: Chunghotap Parking Lot – Cheongsujeong Mineral Spring – Apsan Mountain (3.8km)
Course 7: Anjiranggol Entrance – Apsan Observatory – Apsan Mountain (2.5km)
Course 8: Anjiranggol Entrance – Anilsa Temple – Daedeoksan Mountain (3.2km)
Course 9: Maejagol Entrance – Sports equipment – Daedeoksan Mountain (2.4km)
Course 10: Dalbigol Management Office – Wongisa Temple – Apsan Mountain (2.6km)
[Apsan Jarak-gil Trail]
* Total route: Gosangol Metasequoia Road – Dalbigol Youth Training Center (15km / 6 hours)
Course 1: Gosangol Metasequioa Road – Gangdanggol (1.9 km / 35 minutes)
Course 2: Gangdanggol – Cable Car (2.3km / 55 minutes)
Course 3: Cable car – Anjiranggol Information Center (2.4km / 1 hour)
Course 4: Anjiranggol Information Center – Hwangryongsa Temple Entrance (2.4km / 1 hour)
Course 5: Hwangryongsa Temple Entrance – Dalbigol Management Office (3.2km / 1 hour 20 minute)
Course 6: Dalbigol Management Office – Youth Training Center (3.8km / 1 hour 40 minutes) - Facility Utilization Fees
[Cable Car]
– Round-trip fare Individuals: Adults 10,500 won / Children 7,500 won
Groups: Adults 9,500 won / Children 6,500 won
– One-way fare
Individuals: Adults 7,500 won / Children 5,500 won
Groups: Adults 6,500 won / Children 4,500 won
* Children (ages 4-elementary school students) / Groups of 30 people or more
* Daegu City Tour users: 20 % discount for round-trips (only available for same day ticket-holders) - Available Facilities
Swimming pool, horseback riding area, archery, training center, cable car, observatory, children’s playground, library, golf club, etc,
How to get here:
By [Subway + Bus]
Anjirang Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), Exit 3.
Take Bus No. 410 and get off at Apsan Park Bus Stop.
[Train + Bus]
From Daegu Station or Dongdaegu Station, take Bus No. 300, 410, 410-1, 750, Dalseo 4, or Dalseo 4-1 and get off at Apsan Park Bus Stop.
Daegu Seomun Market
Seomun Market (formerly known as Daegu-Keun Market) of Daegu is steeped in history. Along with Pyeongyang Market and Ganggyeong Market, Seomun Market was one of the three main markets during the Joseon dynasty. It is situated only 300 meters from the West Gate of the city, and was befittingly named Seomunsijang (West Gate Market). Although the market has grown from its small size, the names of the alleyways such as Hongdukkaejeon and Dakjeon remains unchanged.
The specialties of the current Seomun Market include fabric-related items like silk, satin, linen, cotton, knitted goods, and clothing. However, visitors to the market will also find a decent selection of crafts, silver products and dried seafood. While still traditional in many respects, Seomun Market offers modern conveniences including a heating and cooling system and a large parking lot.
The signature dish of Seomun Night Market is Cup Makchang, small servings of Korea’s soul food makchang (beef intestines). Other popular dishes include mu tteokbokki, a unique take on a classic Korean dish with thinly sliced radish, and a remake of British fare shrimp and chips.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours: 09:00-19:00
Closed on First and third Sunday of every month. - Address: 45, Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu
대구광역시 중구 큰장로26길 45 - Phone: +82-53-256-6341
- Homepage: smmarket.modoo.at
www.nightseomun.com - Convenient Facilities
Lounge, snack bar, kids playroom, internet, travel agency, tourist information center
How to get here:
By [Subway]
Seomunsijang Station (Daegu Subway Line 2), Exit 1.
Go straight to Dongsan Intersection, turn left, and go straight for 300 m.
Turn left, and continue straight for 50 m.
Hill Crest
If you are bored of city life and want to do something exciting and adventurous, Daegu has a best spot for you, yes its HillCrest. This eco-theme park with lots of fun and adventure activities is just half an hour away from downtown by bus and definitely worth to try if you consider another place to visit in Daegu.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours:
Weekdays: 09.30-18.00
Weekends: 09.30-20.00
Closed on Monday - Address: 1003 Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, South Korea
- Phone: +82 53-767-6300
- Homepage: hillcrest.co.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Dongdaegu station, take bus 413 across dongdaegu station and get off at hillcrest entrance (herbhillz entrance)
