Things To Do In Daegu, South Korea

Daegu is probably not the first city that comes to mind when travelling in South Korea but it has surprisingly many Daegu tourist attractions. Most of the fun things to do in Daegu are located in the city center, easily accessible by subway or walking. If you’re looking to escape into nature, Daegu is the right place to go. Read on to find out what to do in Daegu in this Daegu travel guide.

Quick Facts About Daegu, South Korea

• Daegu located in the middle of South Korea is the 4 biggest city after Seoul, Incheon and Busan, with more than 2 million inhabitants.
• The most popular Daegu attractions are the Gatbawi buddha, Donghwasa temple, the many churches, E World Daegu, the modern alley and many other Daegu tourist spots!
• The KTX Seoul to Daegu is the easiest way of getting to the center of this metropolitan city.

Things To Know When Going To Daegu

• What To Wear In Daegu – Daegu is often referred to as Daefrica as it is much hotter than the rest of the country, especially in summer. Check what to pack for Daegu here.
• Travel Adapters – The power outlets in Daegu are the same ones as used in mainland Europe. Make sure to bring the right travel adapters.
• Getting To Daegu – Daegu is easily accessible as it has a KTX station and express bus terminal. If you are traveling through Korea by train, consider buying a rail pass. This is much cheaper than buying individual tickets. Find more info here.
• Transportation Card – Daegu has a subway system and public buses. The easiest way to get around is by using a T Money transport card. Buy card here.
• Foreigner Discounts – Many of the attractions in Daegu have discounted offers available online. Check Trazy or Klook for the best foreigner deals.

Tours To Daegu From Seoul Or Busan

Even though visiting Daegu by yourself is quite easy, some people prefer a package trip. Below are some of the best one or 2 day trips to Daegu.

• Daegu 83 Tower and Donghwasa Temple Private Day Tour 
• 2D1N Daegu Tour From Seoul
• Daegu E-World Day Trip From Busan

Things To Do In Daegu

Daegu is often left out when people are planning their Korea itinerary. Even the city is less popular among tourists, there are still so many different places to visit and fun activities to do in Daegu.

1. E World Daegu

The Daegu amusement park E world is built around Woobang Tower. The park opened in 1995 was built as a European style park which has rides, performance halls, waterfalls, lightning displays and a variety of restaurants. The different areas in E world Daegu are characterized by different themes; Central Plaza, Children’s Plaza, Young Town Plaza, Entry Plaza, etc. E World Daegu in the Daegu Duryu park is perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Daegu with children. Check more info here.

2. The Alive Aquarium

The fun aquarium is much bigger than the aquarium in Haeungdae Busan and the 63 Building in Seoul. It has over more than 200 animal species including manatees and sharks. The highlight of the aquarium is the dome shaped tank which has daily performances by divers and sea lions. This one of the best things to do in Daegu in winter.

Opening Times: 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (Monday to Thursday) and 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM (Friday to Sunday).
Price: Check online tickets here
Address: 329-7 Sincheon 4(sa)-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu

3. Daegu Spa Valley

This is the only water park and spa in Daegu that is open all year around. The water used in the spa is 100% thermal spring water. Fun rides at the water park are the speed slide, hurricane slide and the wave pool.

Opening Times: 9 AM to 6 PM.
Price: Check online tickets here
Address: 329-7 Sincheon 4(sa)-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu

4. Daegu Modern Alley

Compared to other cities in Korea, Daegu was lucky enough to not suffer that much damage during the war. This means that you can still clearly see the changes that the city went through, before and after the Korean war.

The Modern Alley is one of the most popular sights to visit in Daegu downtown. As you can just stroll around the center of the modern alley or you can follow one of the five courses, perfect for a self guided Daegu city tour.

When visiting the tourist information service you can get a map that shows all the different courses you can take to make the most of your visit to the modern alley. If you’re planning on visiting many places in Daegu, you can buy a stamp tour (1000 won). This is a fun way to discover the hidden secrets of Daegu and upon completion you can receive a small souvenir from the information center.

The modern alley is located in the city center of Daegu (Banwoldang Daegu), not far from the main shopping street which is filled with department stores, boutiques, restaurants and cafes. This is close to the area where the Daegu nightlife is happening.

Modern Alley Courses (Daegu map)

Course 1: Course 1 is 3.25km long and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. The tour starts at Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park and ends at Dalseong Park.
Course 2: This course is 1.64km long and takes about 2 hours. The tour starts at Dongsan Missionary Houses and ends at the Daegu Overseas Chinese Association (along the oriental medicine museum).
Course 3: This course is about 2.65km long and takes about 2 hours. It starts at Jewelry Town and ends at Seomun Market.
Course 4: This course is 4.95km and lasts almost 3 hours. The tour starts at Gukcae-bosan Memorial Park and ends at Geondeulbawi Rock.
Course 5: This course is 2.12km long and takes 1 hour 40 minutes. The starting point is Banwoldang and it ends at the nunnery Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres.

Directions To The Modern Alley

Daegu’s modern alley is located in downtown next to the shopping district. From Dongdaegu (east) bus terminal you can take the subway line 1 and get off at Jungangno. It is only 4 stops from the Daegu bus terminal and should take around 12 minutes.

Address: 99, Gyeongsanggamyeong-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu

5. Gatbawi Stone Buddha

The Gatbawi stone Buddha in Seonbonsa temple was made during the 7th ruling year of Queen Seondeok in the Silla Dynasty for the mother’s Seoul of Uihyeon. The 6 meters tall buddha statue is a very popular hiking destination for local Koreans. Gatbawi Buddha literally means Stone Hat Buddha, as the statue has a 15 centimeter thick flat stone hat on his head. It is said that the Buddha is a miraculous Buddha, which responds to your deepest prayers and wishes.

The single granite statue on top of Palgongsan, a 850 meter high mountain, is surrounded by a beautiful landscape. The legend says that a big crane flew every night to the top of the mountain to guard the Buddha under construction.

How To Get To Gatbawi Buddha

From Dong Daegu station take the train to Hayang Train Station. From there take bus nr. 803 and get of at Gatbawi Park. A one way trip should take 1h30.

Address: 699, Gatbawi-ro, Wachon-myeon, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

6. Kim Gwangseok-gil Street

Kim Gwangseok was a popular folk & rock singer. His songs were very sentimental and portrayed sorrow and frustration of the people when Korea was first starting to become a democratic country. Unfortunately Kim died in 1996 of suicide.

The mural street in Daegu depicts the life of Kim through statues and paintings. The street is filled with cute coffee shops and restaurants. This is a great place to go if you are looking for things to do in Daegu at night.

Address: 2238, Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu

7. Daegu Art Museum

The Daegu Art Museum holds exhibitions with works of art from renowned leading national and international artists. Check the official website for their program.

Apart from exhibitions the museum also hosts classical and modern concerts in the main hall and performance spaces.

Opening Times: Summer season (Apr – Oct) 10:00 – 19:00 and Winter season (Nov – Mar) 10:00 – 18:00
Entrance Fee: 1000 krw
Closing Date: every monday
Address: 40, Misulgwan-ro, Suseong-gu, Daegu

How To Get To The Daegu Art Museum

Take the subway to Daegu Grand Park Station (Daegu Subway Line 2), Exit 5. From the exit you can take a shuttle bus to the museum. The bus runs every 30 minutes.

Or take bus nr. 604, 403. and get off at Samdeok-dong Bus Stop. From the bus stop it’s a 10 minute walk approximately.

8. Teddy Bear Museum

This teddy bear museum is an interactive museum that uses cute teddy bears to display different scenes. The different rooms have their own theme like winder wonder land, Theodore Roosevelt Room, painting village, AR trick art room and many more. This is not only a great place to take children but is also fun for friends and couples. This is a great thing to do in Daegu in winter, when it is too cold to be outside.

Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday 10:30 to 20:00
Entrance Fee: book tickets online for 10 000 won
Closing Date: every monday
Address: Daegu, Dalseong-gun, Yuga-myeon, 테크노상업로 120

9. Apsan Park

The stunning Apsan park and mountain in Daegu is 600 meters high and overlooks the city. The top of the mountain can be reached by cable car or on foot. There are multiple walking trails leading up the mountain for the citizens to enjoy.

Cable CarPrice: 8500 krw
Address: 574-114 Apsansunhwan-ro, Daemyeong 9(gu)-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu

10. Cosmetics Making Experience

Korea is the country of good cosmetics. Try making your own organic and oriental cosmetics (soap, shampoo or facemasks) at the Skylake Healing Lounge. After the making experience you have the option to enjoy a relaxing oriental foot bath.

Tickets: book online, reservations need to be made in advance, no walk-in.
Address: 2nd floor, 3 Gongpyeong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

11. More Daegu Sightseeing Spots

Festivals In Daegu

Like every city in South Korea, Daegu has its own unique festivals. From flower festivals to food festivals. The festivals are a fun day trip from Busan or Seoul, as there are many things to do in Daegu festivals.

1. E-world Starlight Cherry Blossom Festival

Enjoy E-world in Daegu filled with pink cherry blossoms. The cherry blossom season is one of the highlights of the year in Korea. All over the country cherry blossom festivals are happening. This is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Daegu. Book your tickets to the festival online or package trips from Busan are also available.

2. Daegu Chicken & Beer

Fried chicken from Daegu is famous all over Korea! At this festival it is all about beer and chicken. More than 100 chicken and beer brands participate in the festival and lots of events happen on the grounds. When coming from Busan or Seoul, buy tickets here.

How To Get To Daegu

Daegu is very easily accessible and affordable by train or bus from Seoul, Busan, Gyeongju and other major touristic cities.

1. Seoul To Daegu By Train

There are three options when taking the train; you have the option of taking the KTX, ITX or Mugunghwa train. With the KTX being the fastest and most expensive and the Mugunghwa the slowest and cheapest. For time tables Daegu to Seoul and prices check out the official Korail website.

TIP! Are you travelling by train through Korea? Then consider buying the Korail pass. When taking more than two trains the pass will be more cost efficient. More info here.

2. Seoul To Daegu By Bus

From the Seoul Express Bus Terminal you can take the bus to Dongdaegu Bus Terminal. Depending on traffic, the ride should be around 3h30 and cost minimum 18 000 won. For time tables and prices check out the official Kobus Website.

3. Busan To Daegu

From Busan you can take both the express bus or the KTX. The way of transport will be decided on where you are located in Busan. If you are located close to Nopo bus terminal, take the bus. Are you close to the KTX station or Haeundae beach, take the KTX.

4. Gyeongju To Daegu

The best options is to go by slow train or express bus. The Gyeongju KTX station is too far out of the city to make it worth it. Both the slow train and bus from Gyeongju to Daegu take 50 minutes.

Hotels In Daegu, South Korea

Planning your trip to Daegu? Why not stay in one of these recommended accommodations located in downtown Daegu. As Daegu is not the most touristic travel destination it is very easy to find good last minute hotel deals.

Best Luxury Hotels In Daegu

• Daegu Grand Hotel – Located in Downtown Daegu, the modern and luxury hotel is the perfect place to relax. The hotel itself has a coffee shop and three different restaurants. More info here.
• Gallery Hotel Daegu – This classy hotel in the central area of Daegu is a popular choice among travellers. The hotel has around 30 different rooms, all beautifully decorated. More info here.

Best Mid-range Hotels In Daegu

• Daegu Aega 2nd – This beautiful Hanok stay is located in central Daegu, close to most of the things to do in Deagu. The rooms are extremely clean and the host goes the extra mile for his guests. More info here.
• Hotel February Dong Seong Ro – The two star high rated hotel is perfect for leisure or business travelers. More info here.

Best Low-cost Hotels In Daegu

• Bomgoro Guesthouse – This guesthouse has an exceptional rating of 9.5 on booking.com which makes this the highest rated guesthouse in Daegu. More info here.
• Pan Guesthouse – A budget guesthouse with European or Korean style dorms. A simple breakfast is included in your booking. This is more of a low cost option. More info here.

Best Places To Eat In Daegu

• Hanok Gugsi – In the cozy traditional Korean restaurant you can try the typical Daegu noodles (Guksu 국수) and Korean pancakes (Jeon 전). The restaurant is fairly small and you’ll have to sit on the floor.
• Mansion 5 – At Mansion 5 you can mainly try foreign food like sandwiches, cakes and soups. This is the perfect place to go for brunch or a light lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did you like this article about things to do in Daegu? Why not Pin It!

Have you been to Daegu or are you planning to go to Daegu? Have any questions about things to do in Daegu? Let me know in the comment section below!