Daegu is the underdog among the big cities in South Korea. Yet there is so much to do and see even if you only spend one day in Daegu.
Daegu is the third-largest city in South Korea with over 2.5 million residents. A city that is also called Daefrica because of its high temperatures in the summer months. Many sports events and concerts are held in Daegu and yet Daegu is not often recommended to people asking for travel tips, which is great because that is one of the reasons it is not as overrun by foreign tourists as Seoul, Busan or Jeonju and the like.
If you know where to go Daegu is great for a one or two days visit. It is ideally situated between Jecheon / Andong and Busan.
One day in Daegu
Apsan Park and Observatory (앞산전망대)
Start your day hiking at Apsan Park. You can walk up the mountain to one of its many viewing points for a great view of Daegu city. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up to Apsan Observatory.
Location cable car starting point: 454, Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Operating hours: from 10:30 until 18:30 – 22:00 depending on the day you’re visiting. Return tickets are 10,500 Korean Won.
Kim Gwang Seok Street (김광석 다시 그리기 길)
Kim Gwang Seok Street is a street dedicated to the deceased singer Kim Gwang Seok. It is an artistic masterpiece. On one side you can see the colorful works of art, some of them mural paintings, others a combination of paintings and objects, and on the other side you can visit one of the many interesting bars and cafes serving good quality drinks and snacks. This street in downtown Daegu (only one subway stop away from Banwoldang) was probably the tourist site I enjoyed visiting the most in Daegu.
Location: Daebong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Shopping near Dongseong-ro
In the area east of Jungangno subway station you can find a vibrant shopping area that gets even better at night. There are many shops, both big brands and smaller shops, selling everything ranging from clothes and food to cosmetics.
Location: Dongseongno 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Eating Daegu Makchang
A visit to Daegu is not complete without trying Makchang (막창) (grilled pork intestines). You can find many Korean BBQ restaurants serving Makchang near Anjilang (안지랑), a street filled with restaurants specialized in Makchang. It is a bit out of the way though, but don’t worry: most Korean BBQ restaurants around Dongseong-ro also serve Makchang.
A good place for Makchang in the shopping area is 팔공막창. This restaurant is hidden in an alley that doesn’t look all that great, but don’t let looks deceive you. The food and service are good. You can also order samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) if you or one of your party prefers to eat something else. As a side dish I recommend their steamed egg bowl called Gyeranjjim (계란찜).
Hyundai department store (현대백화점 대구점) and Donga department store (동아백화점 쇼핑점)
Near exits 17 and 18 of Banwoldang subway station you can find Hyundai department store and Donga department store. These are great options on a rainy day.
Location Hyundai: 2077 Dalgubeol-daero, Seongnae 2(i)-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Opening hours: Monday – Thursday: 10:30 – 20:00; Friday – Sunday: 10:30 – 20:30.
Location Donga: 2085 Dalgubeol-daero, Deoksan-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Opening hours: 10:30 – 21:00.
Seomun market (서문시장) and Yeommae Market (염매시장)
Pretty much every website out there recommends a visit to Seomun market. If you have never visited a Korean market or simply love them, then yes, go to Seomun, but if not then I recommend skipping it and eating at the Makchang restaurant I recommended above. This market is not as interesting as the markets in Seoul.
An alternative is Yeommae Market in the middle of Dongseong-ro shopping area.
Location Seomun Market: 45 Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Daesin-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Location Yeommae Market: 252 Gyesandong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Dacheon Sanbang (다천산방)
A very good traditional tea house serving both Korean teas and Chinese tea. It is a bit out of the way though, but if you find yourself in the eastern part of Daegu or are looking for a quiet evening, then hop by this tea house.
Location: 988-4 Manchon 2(i)-dong, Suseong-gu, Daegu, South Korea.
Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday: 11:00 – 22:00.
Where to stay in Daegu
The best area to book a hotel in Daegu is between Banwoldang subway station and Jungangno subway station. From here you have easy access to public transport and these two subway stations and the nearby Daegu train station can take you pretty much anywhere. It is also within walking distance of the Dongseong-ro shopping and restaurant area, Seomun market and Kim Gwang Seok Street. The only con is if you have a car as the parking is quite expensive (unless your hotel offers free parking) and you’re right in the middle of traffic jams during rush hour.
I stayed at an apartment in this area because that it often cheaper (and more fun!) with a party of three. The owner has more than five apartments for rent in the building on top of Banwoldang Subway station. At the ground floor you can use the 7-eleven and coffeeshop and the subway entrance is right in front of the building If you’re traveling by car, then you can park in the garage under the building.
If you’re traveling alone or with one companion, then Noblestay Hotel and Hotel Insomnia are good budget hotel options in this area.
Continue reading to discover other interesting cities to visit near Daegu (like Hamchang, Mungyeong and Gyeongju).
