12 Best Things to Do in Daegu Korea You Won't Want to Miss

There are so many fantastic things to do in Daegu South Korea. While South Korea has so much to offer tourists in its popular destinations like Seoul and Seoul day trips, things to do in Jeju Island, and Busan, visiting the bustling city of Daegu should definitely be added to your Korean itinerary.

Being the third-largest city in South Korea, there are so many fun things to do in Daegu. This city blends traditional history and culture with modern metropolitan charm. If you’re asking is Daegu worth visiting the answer is definitely yes.

Located in the North Gyeongsang Province, Daegu South Korea is surrounded by breathtaking mountains and beautiful temples. This is a bustling city with a rich history and many attractions in Daegu.

With so much going on in the city, planning the perfect Daegu travel guide can be overwhelming. Here are my top things to do in Daegu, South Korea for the ultimate visit.

korea_jeonju_jamon-mural-village-woman-mural — Mural in Jeonju South Korea

12 Best Things To Do In Daegu Korea

There are so many interesting Daegu adventures to be had! Whether you want to learn about history, experience the unique Korean culture, marvel at natural beauty or take on some adventure, you can find it all in Daegu. Here are some of my favorite things to do in this Korean city.

1. Apsan Mountain

Daegu is surrounded by incredible mountains, with Apsan Mountain towering right above the city. Summiting this peak is a highlight of sightseeing in Daegu.

korea_daegu_apsan-moutain-path — The path to Apsan Mountain through Apsan Park Daegu

From the top of Apsan Mountain, you get the most breathtaking views over Apsan Park Daegu and the surrounding areas. It also features an area for colorful locks – very popular in South Korea – and good for photos.

The best way to experience Apsan Mountain Daegu is to climb up to the top. The walk up should take between one to three hours, and will have any nature lover in their element – this is one of the best things to do in Daegu South Korea.

Once you have soaked up all of the views of Daegue at the summit of Apsan Mountain, you can take the cable car down for an enjoyable descent.

You might enjoy reading some of my other articles on Korea:
–Korea Itinerary
–Jeju Island Itinerary
–Busan Itinerary
–Things to do on Jeju Island
–Beautiful Places in South Korea
–Where to stay in Busan
–Cherry Blossoms in Korea

korea_daegu_view-from-apsan-mountain — View from the summit of Apsan Mountain Daegu South Korea

A great way to get to Apsan Park and the mountain is to use the Daegu City Bus (see below). There is a specific stop for Apsan on the bus route. From the Apsan bus stop, it is a 10-minute walk up to the cable car station.

There are water and toilet stops on the way. There is also a decent coffee shop at the base of the Apsan Mountain cable car – the restaurant at the top didn’t look as appealing.

Purchase the ticket to Apsan Mountain near the cable car entrance. The cable cars run every 15 minutes on weekdays and take just 5 minutes to get to the top.

The best views of beautiful Daegu Korea can be gained by turning right when you exit the cable car to the observatory.

korea_daegu_view-over-daegu — View over Daegu from the top of Apsan Mountain, top of the list of what to do in Daegu Korea

Book these popular tours before you leave home to avoid disappointment.

1. Half Day Guided DMZ tour from Seoul
2. Introduction to Seoul Tour
3. JeJu Island Guided Tour
4. Busan Guided Tour

2. Daegu City Bus Tour

Experience the best Daegu attractions with a city bus tour. Just as one of must-dos of a Seoul Itinerary is being taken around the busy city, hopping onto the double-decker bus for a city tour will have you pass all of the best things to do in Daegu. You will get to see many interesting sights around Daegu on this convenient bus tour.

Hop on and off at tourist attractions in Daegu such as Kim Kwang-Seok Road, E World Duru Park, Suseong Lake Resort, Modern Culture Alley, and many more.

This is a fantastic way to experience Daegu sightseeing easily and efficiently. Also, all of the bus staff speak English and are extremely helpful.

korea_daegu_city-bus — Daegu City Tour Bus Stop

The city bus Daegu also offers discounts for other activities and there is Wifi on board. If you’re staying at the Novotel Daegu there is a stop just in front of the Crown Bakery.

3. Seomun Market

A trip to Daegu would not be complete without a visit to its largest traditional street market for some Daegu shopping – Seomun Market. Seomun Market Daigu has over 4,000 shops and is the ideal place to pick up something to remember your trip here.

korea_daegu_seomun-market — Seomun Market Daegu Korea

Whether you want to buy some of the area’s famous fabrics and textiles or are looking for delicious local Daegu food and treats, a visit to Seomun Market is one of the more enjoyable activities in Daegu.

There is so much on offer at this Daegu market, and a visit will give you invaluable insight into the culture and bustle of this city.

⇒ Korea isn’t the easiest country to get around. It is a perfect place to travel with a group – check out my post on 30 Fantastic Singles Travel Groups.

korea_daegu_seomun-market_colourful-yarn — Yarn for sale at Seomun Market – a highlight of my Daegu blog

4. Kim Kwang Seok Street

Daegu is a city alive with culture, and a walk down Kim Kwang Seok Street is one of the best ways to soak this up. This is a mural street named after the country’s famous musician that used to live here.

things-to-do-in-daegu — Kim Kwang Seok Street Daegu South Korea

Kim Kwang Seok Street Daegu has a 350m-long wall covered in murals depicting the singer’s life and music. There are also famous statues here.

The most economic way to travel South Korea by train is the Korea Rail Pass. This pass is only available to foreign travellers. The KR pass covers 600 stations and 80 different high speed routes with unlimited rides. It is available in 3 or 5 consecutive days or flexible 2 and 4 days.

If you are lucky enough to visit this street in autumn, you could catch one of the annual Kim Kwang Seok singing competitions.

The murals on Kim Kwang Seok Street are in many different, often pastel, colours and very photogenic. There is often someone playing the music of Kim Kwang Seok and lots of cute cafes and shops.

When it comes to places to visit in Daegu this was one of my favourites.

⇒ Beautiful Japan is one of my favorite countries to visit. Check out my posts on One Day in Tokyo, 2 Day Itinerary Kyoto, 10 Day Japan Itinerary, What is Japan Famous For? 31 Japanese Claims to Fame, 9 Beautiful Japan Famous Landmarks, the best things to do in Kanazawa and what to expect on the Nakasendo Trail.

korea_daegu_kim-kwang-seok-mural — Kim Kwang Seok himself

The street is in the Bangcheon market area of Daegu, which is a fantastic place to spend some time browsing the shops and appreciating the local neighborhood.

5. Medicine Street

Medicine Street, located in downtown Daegu, is a fascinating place to learn all about Eastern traditional medicine. You can buy unique healing plants, such as ginseng, at the Yangyeomngsi market in Daegu

Then there is the Herbal Medicine Museum Daegu which is an interesting place to learn all about the differences between Eastern and Western medicine.

korea_daegu_happy-toilet — No one does a toilet like the Koreans – well maybe the Japanese!

This is a great place to learn about an important piece of South Korea. I recommend a herbal water footbath to top off your experience on Medicine Street – something different on your list of Daegu what to do!

6. Day Trip to Jeonju

Take a trip to the centuries-old city of Jeonju Korea, for a genuinely cultural day out. There is so much to experience in Jeonju – a must-visit destination in the country.

korea_jeonju_hanok-roofs — The Hanok Roofs of Jeonju South Korea

You can learn all about local cuisine through the many different food and wine stalls – this city is gastronomical heaven. The Jeonju Traditional Wine Museum can teach you all about rice wine production and history.

Jeonju is also the home of the classic Korean dish bibimbap. There are a lot of Bibimbap restaurants in Jeonju. We chose to visit Hanguk Jip– serving bibimbap in Jeonju since 1952 and still run by the same family.

korea_jeonju_dress-up — Dress up time in Jeonju

It is best to have the complete traditional experience, which means sitting on the floor and having your bibimbap served in an extremely hot stone bowl. Bibimbap also comes with an insane number of side dishes.

There is a 15th-century Gyeonggijeon shrine with portraits of former kings in Jeonju, which is worth a visit. Omokdae and Imokdae are ancient hilltop pavilions that provide some of the best views of the surrounding area.

You might enjoy reading some of my articles on Seoul:
–Seoul Itinerary 5 Days
–Seoul Day Trips
–Things to do in Myeongdong
–Things to do in Incheon
–Best Seoul Boutique Hotels

korea_jeonju_hanok-village — Hanok village in Jeonju Korea

Without question though, the most fun thing to do in Jeonju is to join the locals and hire some classic Korean fancy dress. A key thing to do in Jeonju is to hire classic Korean costumes and then wander the streets being Instagrammed in front of the classic buildings.

We were the only Westerners doing this and it was great fun. We also gave much amusement to the locals. The fabrics aren’t the most breathable, so about 20-odd minutes of this is more than enough.

korea_daegu_bibimbap-meal — Korea loves a side dish or 10 – especially with its Bibimbap!

The old town area itself is filled with lots of cute shops and cafes and many Hanok houses which offer homestays. Jeonju also has an art village outside the old town called Jaman Mural Village.

Crossing the main road and walking up a very steep hill to access it is necessary. Jaman Mural Village Jeonju is covered in murals and has several cute cafes and is very photogenic.

korea_jeonju_jamon-mural-village-mural — Jaman Mural Village Jeonju Korea

A bus trip from Daegu to Jeonju can take between 2 1/4 and 3 1/2 hours, depending on which bus you choose. And what a bus. The bus from Daegu to Jeonju was very luxurious and so comfortable.

7. Daegu Arboretum

If you love beautiful natural spaces, then a visit to the Daegu Arboretum is a must. This is such an enjoyable way to break away from the busy city around you and enter into a calm, serene urban garden.

The arboretum in Daegu is incredibly well-maintained, with the most breathtaking flowers, fountains, and trees surrounding you wherever you go. Daegu Arboretum is an ideal place to spend an afternoon walking around and enjoying the natural beauty and peace.

8. Buy K Beauty Products at the Many Beauty Shops in Daegu

Korea is famous for its beauty products, as skincare is taken very seriously here. Before leaving Daegu, be sure to stock up on some of the best quality local beauty and skincare products from the city’s many famous beauty shops.

Some of the best brands to get while in Daegu would have to be Dr. Jart +, Blosson Jeju, Sulwahsoo, Skinfood, TonyMoly and Missah. You will feel truly amazing after using some of these products.

korea_daegu_heart-wall-mural — Heart wall mural on Kim Kwong Seok Street

Olive Young is a drug store/pharmacy which stocks a range of the K beauty brands and a good place to start if it feels a bit overwhelming. Lotte is the main department store in Korea and also has a good range of products.

All of the well known K Beauty brands have stores in Daegu – most in the central part of town. Look out for the hottest new ingredient trend – it was all about beeswax when I was there.

Also, when you purchase they generally give you loads of fantastic samples which is great.

korea_daegu_k-beauty-products — My K Beauty Shopping!

The Koreans are world masters in face masks so lookout for some of these. And the prices are very low compared to what you would pay for similar style beauty products elsewhere in the world.

While we’re in shopping mode, I recommend Art Box for the cutest of Korean kitsch –, particularly for stationery.

9. Daegu Art Museum

When looking for Daegu things to do, visiting the art museum is an absolute must. This municipal art museum showcases the country’s finest and most impressive artworks.

The well-curated exhibition halls of Daegu art museum are filled with modern and contemporary art. There are all kinds of interesting planned exhibitions on various important topics.

If you are interested in art and culture, then a visit to this enormous triple-story art museum should definitely be on your Daegu itinerary.

korea_daegu_kim-kwang-seok-mural-2 — Mural on Kim Kwang Seok Street

10. Suseong Lake

The perfect way to break up your time in the busy city is through a visit to the peaceful Suseong Lake. This lake is one of the most beautiful in South Korea, and it offers an ideal setting for a lazy day.

Have fun paddling around Suseong Lake Daegu in the swan boats, or witness one of the impressive fountain shows. There are well-kept walkways around the lake for a scenic walk, as well as a small amusement park to keep the children entertained.

korea_daegu_art-box — The longer you spend in Korea the more this stuff seems like a great idea

11. Experience the Daegu Coffee Scene

South Korea is famous for its vibrant cafe culture, and Daegu has got to be one of the best places to experience this. This city is loaded with artisan coffee shops offering all kinds of amazing food and brews.

Daegu coffee shops are often seriously trendy and full of life. If you are looking for the best place to go to experience just how good the Daegu coffee scene is, I would recommend a walk down Dongseong-Ro for some of the most buzzing cafes in the city.

Paris 16 Daegu does a good coffee and an even better brunch.

Knowing even a small amount of the local language can add a whole new level of enjoyment to any trip. Why not learn some basic Korean before you leave home?

korea_daegu_cat-and-dog-cafe-sign — Who could resist this sign?

Enjoy your coffee with real cats and dogs at Yanggun Munggun Daegu. Of course, there are separate rooms for cats and dogs.

The animals hang out wherever they would like – including next to sewing machines which is a bit random. All very Korean.

korea_Daegu_post-boxes-mural — Where mail is sent in Daegu

12. Donghwa Temple

The Monk Geuk-Dal built this temple in A.D. 493. The ancient Buddhist temple is an amazing place to learn about local religions and cultures.

There is an interesting history behind this temple, and it has become quite an iconic aspect of the city. Besides learning, a visit to Donghwa Temple will show you some of the most beautiful architecture in Daegu.

Donghwa Temple is a lovely place to visit in Daegu.

korea_daegu_cat-and-dog-cafe — Hmm are they ordering or does she have treats?

Where to Eat in Daegu

A visit to South Korea would not be complete without loads of delicious food! Daegu has a lot to offer on the culinary side, and it is important to experience just how good the local food can be.

Here are some of my favourite restaurants in Daegu.

Hi Thai

Located on Gongpyeong-ro, Hi Thai serves up some of the best Thai food in the city. If you are looking for amazing green curry, or shrimp pad thai, this is the spot to go. The food at Hi Thai Daegu is made with fresh local ingredients and focuses on traditional Thai flavors.

A must-visit for any hungry traveller.

korea_daegu_seomun-market-eating-area — The eating area at Seomun Market Daegu

Geumgok Samgyaetang

Any trip to Korea is not complete without feasting on the delicious local food, and this has got to be one of the best places to do that. Affordable, always busy, and utterly delicious, Geumgok Samgyaetang is a must for anyone wanting to taste some of the best flavours of Daegu. The ginseng chicken at Geumgok Samgyaetang Daegu is a definite highlight.

Pan

Pan is a trendy spot in Myeongdeok-ro serves up some of the best vegetarian and vegan food in Daegu. The menu is very health-focused and offers some quality gluten-free options.

The menu at Pan Daegu is loaded with all kinds of interesting flavours, and the staff is super friendly too.

korea_jeonju_bibimbap — Bibimbap in Jeonju Korea

Snowpea

Snowpea is an absolute gem if you really want to treat yourself. This special restaurant serves up some of the best sushi in the city, with an interesting menu.

The food at Snowpea Daegu is fresh and made with love, while the beer and sake list is long and varied. If you love sushi, then be sure to head down to Jungang-daero to find Snowpea restaurant.

korea_daegu_vasco-restaurant-quesadillas — Delicious Quesadillas at Vasco

Mentawai

Located alongside the river at Dongdeok-ro, Mentawai is a top choice for a local feast. Experience the flavors of Daegu at this stylish restaurant. The food is fresh, the atmosphere is welcoming, and the service is excellent.

Vasco

A great Korean Mexican fusion find! Vasco also had an absolutely delicious grapefruit ade drink which I highly recommend trying.

korea_daegu_seomun-market-aisle — Working away at Seomun Market

Where to Stay in Daegu

Whether you want luxury, basic comforts, or a fun and quirky hotel, Daegu has it all. Here are some great places to stay when visiting the city.

Novotel Ambassador Daegu

Conveniently located in the heart of the business, shopping, and entertainment district, Novotel Hotel Ambassador is an ideal home base for any visitor to the city.

The rooms at the Novotel Daegu are clean, modern and equipped with all the comforts that you may need. The staff speak quite a bit of English and are extremely helpful. This is worth its weight in gold in Korea as they can let your taxi driver know where to go, give you helpful information etc.

There is a pool on the 8^th floor of the Novotel hotel Daegu and a lovely terrace bar that has some decent wine on offer.

korea_daegu_wall-of-locks — Heart wall of locks in Daegu

The Novotel Ambassador Daegu offers pretty good value for money, considering the kind of quality accommodation you are offered. With its central location and well-maintained rooms, it will be the perfect base for your city visit.

Across the road from the Novotel is a small park. The streets on each side are good for exploring coffee, shopping and restaurants. There is also a Crown Bakery close to the hotel, which I recommend for snacks.

⇔ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

February Boutique Hotel Apsan

February Boutique Hotel Apsan is a fun little hotel with themed rooms and a great atmosphere. Besides the lovely decor and fully-equipped rooms, the boutique hotel is centrally located with so many brilliant shops and amenities nearby.

The February Boutique Hotel Aspan is a really good value hotel for a perfect trip to Daegu – you will seriously love staying here.

⇔ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu

If you are looking for a clean and comfortable hotel that will allow you to make the most out of your stay in Daegu, then the Hotel Inter-Burgo is a wise choice.

With its own gym, spa, bar, and restaurant, you will be well taken care of at Hotel Inter-Burgo Daegu. The riverside location is excellent and very close to many top attractions.

⇔ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

korea_daegu_cat-cafe — One of the many kitties at the cat and dog cafe

The Grand Daegu Hotel

The Grand Daegu Hotel offers quality accommodation in an easily accessible part of the city. The rooms are clean, well equipped, and completely comfortable.

Grand Daegu Hotel has some useful amenities and is close to many good restaurants and coffee shops. Centrally located, well maintained, and offering solid value, this hotel is a smart choice for any visitor to the city.

⇔ Read more reviews on TripAdvisor ⇒ Book Now

korea_daegu_bibimbap-up-close — Bibimbap up close

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Daegu

What is Daegu best known for?

Daegu is known for the electronics industry and its subtropical climate. It is also home to Apsan Mountain.

What are some popular things to do in Daegu?

Some popular things to do in Daegu include visiting the Dongseongno shopping district, exploring the historic Seomun Market, admiring the natural beauty of Apsan Park, and learning about traditional Korean medicine at the Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine.

Are there any famous landmarks or historical sites in Daegu?

Yes, Daegu is home to several famous landmarks and historical sites, such as the 83 Tower, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Center, and the Daegu National Museum.

What is the best time of year to visit Daegu?

The best time to visit Daegu is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid, while winter (December to February) can be cold and snowy.

Final Thoughts on Daegu, South Korea

If you are visiting South Korea and want to experience all that the country has to offer, then Daegu should definitely be included in your trip. Daegu attractions are vast and varied, with something on offer for every traveller.

Whether you love food, history, culture, nature, adventure or bustling city life, this place has it all. I hope that if you enjoy these places and activities as much as I did, as there really is so much to experience and enjoy throughout this wonderful city.

Who Paid for What in this Article

I covered all the costs when I visited Korea. However, if you click through on the links in this article and make a purchase I will receive a small commission. Just wanted to make sure that you knew.