Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Daegu, South Korea

During the era of the Joseon Dynasty, Daegu served as the administrative center at the convergence of the Nakdong and Geumho Rivers, where the influential governor of the now-abolished Gyeongsang province was stationed.

The historical residence and office of the governor can be observed at Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park, which hosts a ceremonial changing of the guard on Saturdays during the summer months.

The city’s strategic location at the intersection of two major rivers facilitated the establishment of Seomun Market, known for its textiles and a prominent hub for street food after dark.

Surrounded by mountains, Daegu offers not only panoramic views but also significant Buddhist monuments such as the spectacular Donghwasa temple and the historic 1,100-year-old Gatbawi Buddha, hewn from granite on the same mountain.

Let us examine the premier attractions in Daegu:

1. Seomun Market

To highlight its historical significance, Seomun Market was recognized as one of Korea’s three principal markets towards the conclusion of the Joseon Dynasty.

Notably, despite the market’s extensive expansion, the names of its alleys, such as Dakjeon and Hongdukkaejeon, have remained unchanged for centuries.

With over 4,000 vendors dispersed across several expansive structures, Seomun Market is celebrated for its diverse range of fabrics and textiles, including clothing, linen, cotton, silk, and satin, along with haberdashery, handicrafts, and silverware.

The evening scene attracts many visitors with its enticing array of street food options, combining familiar favorites with more adventurous delicacies.

Culinary adventurers may wish to sample makchang-gui, grilled beef abomasum (the fourth stomach of a cow), typically served with a sauce made from soybean paste, peppers, and scallions.

Mandu (fried dumplings) are also available with a delicious dipping sauce, while sujaebe offers a hand-torn noodle soup. Additionally, dotori-muk refers to seasoned acorn jelly, and mu tteokbokki represents Daegu’s unique twist on Korea’s beloved rice cakes.

2. Daegu National Museum

This insightful museum located in Suseong-gu provides a comprehensive overview of the culture and history of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province.

Within the museum are three principal exhibition halls: The Archaeology Gallery presents a timeline of Daegu’s history, showcasing artifacts from prehistoric periods up to the Three Kingdoms period in the 7th century CE.

In the Art History Gallery, visitors can explore celadon and buncheong ceramics, while also learning about the region’s Buddhist heritage through various sculptures.

The Traditional Folk Life Gallery features examples of traditional Korean homes and artifacts reflecting the Seonbi culture and the history of the Yeongnam area, which comprises today’s North and South Gyeongsang provinces.

On the museum grounds, observe the five-story stone pagoda, relocated from Jeongdosa Temple in North Gyeongsan, dating back to 1031. The grounds also include architectural fragments, dolmens, a Bronze Age dwelling, and a kiln from the Three Kingdoms period.

3. Donghwasa

Palgong Mountain, located on the border of Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, serves as a favored hiking spot, adorned with temples and shrines and ample locations nearby to rejuvenate post-hike.

Many visitors are drawn to Donghwasa, a temple of the Jogye Order on the southern slope with a history tracing back to the late 5th century.

The current temple complex was constructed in 1732 following destruction during the Japanese invasions in the late 16th century.

The Daeungjeon (Main Hall) is accessible via stairs that feature railings carved to resemble a dragon, showcasing beautiful columns and detailed carvings.

Inside, multiple statues are dedicated to Seokgamonibul (Gautama Buddha), Amitabul (Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life), and Yaksayeoraebul (Medicine Buddha). The elevated Bell Pavilion and Bongseoru Hall (named after a phoenix) also offer striking architectural features, leading down to the road that takes you to the impressive 17-meter Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul (Medicine Buddha), erected in the 20th century as a prayer for Korean reunification.

4. Gatbawi

A notable addition to your excursion to Donghwasa, this remarkable Buddha statue resides on Palgong Mountain and is accessible via a challenging yet gratifying trek starting from Gwanamsa Temple.

Gatbawi, classified as a Korean National Treasure, dates back to the Unified Silla period in the 9th century CE.

This seated Buddha, originally carved from the granite on the mountain’s east side, stands four meters tall, topped with a 15 cm thick slab.

Notable features include elongated ears, robust shoulders, three neck wrinkles, and a left hand believed to hold a medicine jar, designating him as a Medicine Buddha.

5. Daegu Art Museum (DAM)

For visitors interested in modern and contemporary art, Daegu Art Museum in Suseong-gu, completed in 2011, hosts exceptional exhibitions. The museum boasts a substantial collection, while the temporary exhibitions consistently receive acclaim and change frequently.

As of 2019, the museum showcased a solo exhibition by the renowned Alex Katz and a retrospective of Jeon Seon Taek, a distinguished 20th-century artist from Daegu.

DAM is also recognized for its exhibitions addressing socio-cultural themes. The 2018 exhibit, “Renegades in Resistance and Change,” examined how avant-garde art from the 1960s-80s responded to authority and traditional structures in South Korea.

The museum’s third floor features a library and an observation lounge, offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.

6. Kim Kwang-seok Street

Daegu is recognized as the birthplace of singer-songwriter Kim Kwang-seok (1964-1996), whose folk protest songs resonated deeply with the South Korean populace during the 1980s and 1990s.

In 2010, over 20 artists, sculptors, and designers collaborated to create a mural alley in his honor, situated next to Bancheon Market in downtown Daegu.

Kim Kwang-seok resided in a house along this alley until the age of five.

A small wooden platform featuring a statue of the singer with his guitar marks the northern end. As you stroll, you will encounter beautifully rendered portraits and murals, many executed with trompe-l’œil effects inspired by his music.

A charming feature includes a phone booth that encourages calls to loved ones, accompanied by cafes and art shops to pique your interest.

7. 83 Tower (Woobang Tower)

The prominent 83 Tower, visible from various vantage points throughout Daegu, commenced operations in 1992 after eight years of construction.

Standing just over 200 meters tall, it serves as a popular date night destination.

The elevator rapidly transports visitors to the observation deck and the Grill by Ashley revolving restaurant, revealing breathtaking views of Daegu.

Observatory admission costs ₩10,000 for adults and ₩5,000 for children; however, a table reservation at the revolving restaurant grants free entry.

At the base, visitors will find a skating rink on the second floor and a Sky Garden on the fourth floor, providing an excellent place to pause for refreshments.

8. Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park

The former residence and office of the governor from the Gyeongsang province during the Joseon Dynasty has since been transformed into a public park.

The oldest structures within this Korean National Historic Site were erected in the early 17th century.

Visitors can observe the Seonhwa-dang building where the governor conducted business, which remains one of the few surviving government edifices from the period in Korea, alongside the governor’s residence, Jungcheong-gak.

These historical buildings rest amidst lush greenery, adorned with flowerbeds, open grass areas, and scenic water features interconnected by walking paths.

Should you visit on Saturday afternoons (13:30-16:00) between May and October (excluding July), you may witness the time-honored changing of the guard ceremony.

9. Apsan Park

Apsan Park, characterized by its steep granite mountains, offers an idyllic experience for walkers.

Spanning the 600-meter mountain of the same name, Apsan Park encompasses the valleys at the base of two additional peaks, Sanseong Mountain and Daedeok Mountain.

A visit to Apsan Park necessitates a ride on the cable car to reach the Apsan Observatory, which presents expansive views of Daegu below.

The lower station features amenities such as a swimming pool, driving range, horseback riding, and archery facilities.

Additionally, the Nakdong River Battle Museum, located within the park, provides a detailed overview of the Korean War, displaying aircraft and tanks from the conflict in its exterior exhibits.

Hikers can embark on a network of trails throughout the park, exploring the neighboring peaks and discovering hidden Buddhist temples.

10. The ARC

Situated on a green peninsula at the meeting point of the Nakdong and Geumho Rivers is an architectural marvel that resembles a giant upturned shell.

This is The ARC, positioned within a visually striking natural setting surrounded by dark wooded mountains in the east, north, and west.

This pavilion, adorned with silver panels and designed to resemble a skipping stone or Korean rice bowl, was conceived by New York’s Asymptote studio for the World Expo 2012. Inside, it features an exhibition about the Four River Restoration Project, which aims to protect the ecological integrity of the Han, Nakdong, Geum, and Yeong San rivers while spotlighting the cultural significance of these water bodies.

Visitors can access an observation deck on the roof, as well as a café that operates year-round.

Nearby, one can find shops (on the city side) that provide electric bike rentals for leisurely rides adjacent to the river.

11. Daegu Arboretum

Located in the southwestern area of Dalseo-gu, Daegu Arboretum occupies what was once the city landfill.

Initiated in 1998, this complimentary attraction opened its doors to the public in 2002, showcasing over 1,750 species of plants in greenhouses and along winding outdoor trails, alongside a facility for indoor exhibitions.

Spring and summer are ideal for visits; however, the arboretum’s hallmark event occurs during the Chrysanthemum Festival, held over two weeks at the end of October and beginning of November.

This festival features vibrant flowerbeds in shades of white, yellow, red, and pink, delighting children with numerous sculptures of beloved cartoon characters adorned with blooms, all against the backdrop of the arboretum’s autumn foliage.

12. Suseong Lake

Bordered by mountains to the south, Suseong Lake is a picturesque body of water surrounded by landscaped parks and dining options, offering striking views of the lush slopes.

The lake’s shoreline has recently undergone enhancements, with a newly established promenade encompassing the entire perimeter, featuring footbridges over wetland areas, as well as a small amusement park for children located on the western bank.

By day, visitors can rent duck boats for a pleasant paddle, and it is worthwhile to remain into the evening to experience the captivating musical fountain show (scheduled for 20:00 and 21:00 in May, August, September, and October, and at 20:30 and 21:30 during June and July).

13. Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine

Established in 1658, Daegu Yangnyeongsi functions as a wholesale market for medicinal herbs, which originally exchanged goods biannually during the spring and autumn.

This initiative was part of a broader national effort to enhance the efficiency of oriental medicine ingredient distribution.

Initially situated behind an inn near the northern gate of Daegu Castle, the market was relocated to its current location following its destruction during the Japanese occupation in 1908.

The museum housed above the wholesale market presents exhibits in four different languages.

The third floor narrates the history of oriental medicine, reconstructing a historic streetscape featuring merchants’ inns, apothecaries, and dwellings for herb harvesters.

Among the displayed items are brewing vessels, acupuncture needles, tools for herb gathering, and reproductions of historical manuscripts regarding oriental medicine.

On the lower floor, experiential exhibits elucidate Korean traditional medicine principles, exploring concepts such as the five Yin-Yang colors and the meridian system.

Additionally, a “Practice Zone” provides practical advice on maintaining health, calisthenics, and even a section for crafting one’s own oriental medicine.

14. Visit a Jjimjilbang

Jjimjilbangs are an integral aspect of daily life for many, functioning as expansive bathhouses, akin to spas, that remain open around the clock.

These facilities feature traditional Korean kiln saunas, steam rooms, heated and cold pools, jacuzzis, showers, and massage tables.

Areas within these establishments are gender-segregated, and it may require some adjustment for newcomers, as nudity is generally the norm.

Complementing the spa amenities, unisex areas include fitness facilities, clothed saunas, snack bars, large screen TVs, computer stations, arcade games, and resting areas equipped with ondol (underfloor heating). It is not unusual for individuals to use these resting spots for overnight accommodations, especially for those whose employment necessitates stays in the city but reside outside of it, while tourists find jjimjilbangs to be a budget-friendly means of lodging.

Upon entering, patrons receive specific garments for wear in communal areas, alongside a rechargeable card for cashless transactions throughout the facility.

Two noteworthy jjimjilbangs to consider are Elybaden, located a 15-minute walk from Sangin station, and Seongwon Nexus in Manchon, situated near Dong Daegu station.

15. Biseulsan Recreational Forest

Striking expanses of nature surround Daegu, yet during a brief window in spring, Biseulsan Recreational Forest on the city’s southern edge becomes exceptionally beautiful.

This is exemplified during the Biseulsan Chamkkot Munhwa Festival in April/May, when a grand valley reachable via a challenging hike is adorned with a vibrant sea of pink Weyrich azalea blossoms.

This incredible sight far exceeds what photographs can capture, and the effort of climbing and the arduous journey involving metro, bus, and taxi travel makes the visit exceptionally worthwhile.

During other seasons, Biseulsan Recreational Forest offers intriguing rock formations, cliffs, and the opportunity to explore the Daegyeonsa Buddhist temple, renowned as a filming location for various Korean television series.

In winter, visitors can enjoy the Ice Garden, complete with sledding, ice slides, an ice cave, and illuminated sculptures.