As South Korea’s fourth-largest city, Daegu is a city that nests in the North Gyeongsang Province, also known for its thriving population, years of rich history, as well as gorgeous mountains and temples. Likewise, there are a lot of things to do in Daegu.
If you have never considered visiting Daegu, here are four reasons why this city belongs in your travel itinerary to South Korea!
1. Visit Daegu’s Unique Attractions
Daegu Alive Aquarium
Come to Daegu Alive Aquarium and you’ll be able to meet all of the peculiar sea creatures such as manatees, penguins, sea lions, otters, stingrays, and more! Highlights of this aquarium include the sea musical, magic shows, and otter feeding times! but that’s not all! find out more about Daegu Alive Aquarium below!
Modern History Street
In Daegu, there is a road called ‘Modern History Street’, where you can see numerous iconic landmarks, such as churches, schools, and office buildings that tell the story of the modern history of Daegu. Join a fun and exciting mission tour and take Instagrammable photos while learning about the history of modern Daegu.
Heimat Music Hall
Heimat Music Hall is a one-of-a-kind retro/classic music lounge that has been in operation since 1957. If you write down the music you want to listen to on the request slips, the owner will play the music for you. There are over 7,000 LP records and many other kinds of music to choose from. You’ll fall in love with the nostalgic mood for sure!
2. Look for the Adrenaline Surge In and Around Daegu
Daegu E-World & 83 Tower
Make your way to Daegu’s best amusement park E-World! Daegu E-World is a theme park built in the southeastern part of South Korea. There are four amusement parks; Fantasy World, Magic World, Adventure World, and Dynamic World. E-World offers a variety of performances and festivals, not to mention the thrilling rides it has ready for you!
Also, don’t miss out on visiting the 83 Tower Observatory when visiting E-World, which is an 83-floor observatory where you can look down on Daegu’s cityscape!
- Get Discount Tickets to Daegu E-World & 83 Tower!
- Join Daegu E-World & 83 Tower 1 Day Tour from Busan!
- Read an Ultimate Guide to Daegu E-World & 83 Tower Observatory!
Daegu Spa Valley
Looking for all sorts of water activities, from thrilling water rides to relaxing spas and saunas? Daegu Spa Valley offers all of that! Whether you’re looking for a place to go on exciting rides and wave pools or a place to wind down and rest up before your next destination, Daegu Spa Valley has it all ready for you. What’s more, is that Daegu Spa Valley is the only one of its kind in Daegu that offers 100% thermal spring water all year round, so head on over any time if you’re in the area!
There is also an outdoor and indoor zoo at Daegu Spa Valley Nature Park! You can see over 350 species of plants and animals and get closer to some animals by having a chance to feed them. at the Play Zone, you can experience a variety of activities, such as trampoline, mini zipline, and jungle challenge. It’s a perfect place for both children and adults to spend nature-healing time.
Tandem Paragliding
Paragliding is a fun extreme activity, where you can get to stay in the air for long periods of time! Safely glide through the air with an experienced instructor and take home photos and videos of your paragliding moments.
Freediving 1 Day Class
Freediving is a very popular aquatic sport for people of all ages. Join this 1-day class and learn how to free dive up to 5 meters. Professional instructors with lifeguard certifications will teach you the techniques for you to feel the freedom of swimming underwater!
Eden Valley Ski Resort
How about heading to Eden Valley Ski Resort and enjoying an entire night of skiing and snowboarding? Eden Valley is the closest ski resort to Daegu, which is a plus point, as well as having 7 slopes for skiers and snowboarders. these slopes are divided into different difficulty levels: 2 Beginner level slopes, 3 Intermediate level slopes, and 2 Advanced level slopes. Of course, if there are any non-skiers or snowboarders, you can always ride on a tube sled and enjoy sledding!
- Join a 1 Day Ski & Snow Sled Tour to Eden Valley Resort from Busan
- Reserve a Room at a Discounted Price at Eden Valley Ski Resort (Arriving Soon)
- Read Eden Valley Ski Resort Guide for Your Winter Ski Trip!
3. Check Out Daegu’s Famous Landmarks
Seomun Market
This tour is your best chance at checking out Daegu’s most famous places like Seomun Market, Kimgwangseok Street, Dongseongro, Donghwasa Temple, and more! continue reading to find out exactly where our tour will take you!
When you think of shopping, usually, the bustling streets of Myeongdong or Dongdaemun come to mind. In Daegu, there is such a place, that is Seomun Market. But this place is different from places like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun, in that it retains its traditional market culture.
Boasting high-quality clothing and delicious traditional dishes, Seomun Market is the largest traditional market and is sectioned into 6 major districts that house approximately 4000 vendors. These stores basically sell everything that you could possibly need. From high-quality fabric-related items such as silk and linen to traditional Hanbok as well as men’s and women’s clothing.
Not only that, but what’s a market without delicacies? Of course, Seomun Market is packed with numerous stalls selling steaming hot snacks and local dishes such as the famous Seomun fish cake, Bibimbap (Korean mixed rice with meat and vegetables) and Sujebi (soup with buckwheat dough flakes), and many more you can look forward to a satisfying feast!
Kim Gwang Seok Gil Street
In Daegu, there is a mural street called Kim Gwang Seok Gil Street, dedicated to the late Korean folk-rock singer, Kim Gwangseok. His songs were very sentimental and portrayed the sorrow and frustration of the people when Korea was first starting to become a democratic country. Unfortunately, Kim died in 1996.
Situated near Bangcheon Market where he used to live, this 350 m-long mural street has statues and murals depicting the life of Kim. The street is filled with cute coffee shops and restaurants. Every autumn, the Bangcheon Market and Dongseongro area hosts a ‘Kim Gwang Seok’s Singing Contest’, which attracts millions of visitors. If you’re visiting Daegu during that period, this is something you don’t want to miss! This is a great place to go if you are looking for things to do in Daegu at night.
Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine
Daegu is one of the few cities still offering an oriental medicine trade. In fact, it’s home to one of Korea’s largest and oldest oriental medicine markets. Simply walk through the market and interact with some friendly shop owners to gain a better insight into oriental medicine. We guarantee that you’ll soon find yourself fascinated by the various types of medicinal products and forms of treatment, which differ greatly from that of Western medicine. Check out the Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine whilst you’re here.
Part history museum, part experience center, the venue gives visitors a unique look into the origins, concepts, and culture of traditional Korean medicine. In addition to the indoor experiences and exhibitions, there’s plenty to do in the outdoor plaza, have a go at anything and everything related to oriental medicine and remedies, such as getting acupuncture treatment which promises to relieve stress through the pressure points in the feet, as well as the footbath pool, a foot soak enhanced with medicinal herbs.
Dongseongro
Dongseongro Street gets its name from the path that once traced Daegu’s eastern fortress wall (Dong=East, Seong=Fort). As the road was constructed, many shops began popping up along the road. Today, the area still illustrates the clear transformation of Daegu. Often compared to Myeongdong in Seoul, Dongseongno Street is the most popular shopping district in downtown Daegu, offering everything from luxury items, to fast fashion to Korean beauty products.
Donghwasa Temple
Located on the south side of Palgongsan Mountain, Donghwasa Temple was built during the Silla Dynasty boasting a stunning history of over 1500 years. Besides being a place to find your inner peace, many visitors awe at the temple’s intricate architecture. It’s segmented into three different sections, and you will find various halls and temple buildings, all intricately decorated with marble stones as well as dragon or phoenix carvings. In the temple, there are multiple statues of Buddha, but the most noticeable one is a 33m tall Buddha statue, also intricately carved out of stone.
But it’s not just the temple people awe at. The view of Palgongsan itself from Donghwasa Temple amazes all the visitors that hike up to the temple, expecting to only look at the temple and Buddha statues.
Palgongsan Mountain Cable Car
Take the Palgongsan Mountain Cable car up to Palgongsan Mountain peak, approximately 820 meters (2690 ft) above sea level, and enjoy the spectacular mountain view along the way. It’s a perfect chance for you to snap beautiful shots of Palgonsan’s landscape. Upon arriving at the peak, gazing out at the city of Daegu sprawled out below you.
Guam Farm Stay
Get away from stressful city life for once at Guam Farm Stay Village which is located near the city, you can get a taste of traditional farming that is hard to find elsewhere!
Visitors can take part in activities such as planting various vegetable seeds, thinning out apple trees, rice reaping, or plucking beans whilst admiring the gorgeous cherry blossoms which line the roads. Amongst the various programs, apple and chestnut picking tend to be popular and, facilitate the farm stay program. Besides these activities, do try the fresh and juicy fruits planted in the village, which are bound to quench your thirst!
4. Relax in Daegu
Learn about Traditional Korean Folk Painting
In this 1-day class, you will get to know about the culture and techniques of Korean folk art. It’s a perfect art and crafts activity for painting lovers and you can enjoy a relaxing time while focusing on painting. What’s more, you can take home the special Korean folk art painting that you made!
Ceramic Mug Painting & Pottery Wheel Experience
Have a soothing moment by decorating your own ceramic mug and experiencing clay molding. In this class, you will get to sketch, paint, and bake your own ceramic mug to take home. It’s a perfect activity for couples and families.
Check out the Best Way to Explore Daegu!
How did you like our list of things to do in Daegu? If you want to find out more things to do in Daegu, check out Trazy.com, Korea’s #1 Travel Shop!
[Photo Credits]
Palgongsan Cable Car
