Why You Should Visit Daegu: The South Korean City That Felt Like Home

When most people think of South Korea, they picture Seoul’s bright lights or Busan’s coastal charm. But so many travelers miss the heart of the country—its core—where you’ll find Daegu. This vibrant city in the southeast offers a perfect blend of tradition, warmth, and modern convenience. I lived there twice, for a total of six years, and the memories still make me smile. It wasn’t just where I lived; it was where I connected—through friendly locals, endless cafe adventures, and experiences that left a mark. If you’re wondering why you should visit Daegu, let me share why this city should be on your list.

Table of Contents

• Painting and Belonging
• Coffee Connections
• Grocery Store Laughs
• Cafe Hopping: A Must-Do in Daegu
• Nature and Quiet Moments
• Food Without the Intestines
• Festivals and Fun
• Everyday Magic

Painting and Belonging

One of my most cherished memories in Daegu was learning to oil paint with Mrs. Shim, a warm and talented artist with a small studio just around the corner from my apartment. I met her through the Daegu International Women’s Association, a Korean-American group that brought locals and expats together. I had never painted before, but she welcomed me like family, her studio filled with the familiar scent of paint and turpentine. The walls were covered in vibrant landscapes and delicate flowers—each one a reflection of her passion.

After a few months of lessons, Mrs. Shim invited me to join an exhibition with the other students. I was nervous, standing there as strangers wandered by, pausing to look at my work. Just as I was convincing myself I didn’t belong, my real estate agent walked in, holding a bouquet of flowers. I was stunned. I never expected him to show up, let alone bring me flowers. His gesture made me realize how many genuine connections I’d built in this city.

For the event, I brought buffalo chicken dip and celery—a little taste of home with just enough heat for the Korean palate. Watching everyone try to eat it with chopsticks was hilarious. After some good-natured slipping and fumbling, I finally showed them how to scoop it properly. We laughed until our sides hurt, shared stories, and enjoyed each other’s company.

That day, I didn’t feel like a visitor. I felt like part of the community. And that’s why you should visit Daegu—it’s a place where genuine connections come naturally, even when you’re far from home.

Coffee Connections

Daegu’s cafe culture was our thing. We didn’t just stick to one place; we explored cafes all over the city, from trendy spots downtown to quiet, hidden gems in residential neighborhoods. One morning, I decided to challenge myself and order my coffee in Korean. I had practiced the words over and over until I felt confident enough to give it a try.

“Americano han jan, danish hana juseyo,” I said when I reached the counter.

The barista, a young woman with a bright smile, lit up when she heard me. “Wow! Your Korean is really good!” she said, even though I was sure I’d made mistakes. From then on, whenever she saw me walk in, her smile got even bigger. Our small exchange became a little tradition that made me feel connected in a way I hadn’t expected. It’s these kinds of everyday interactions that show why you should visit Daegu: the people genuinely appreciate your efforts and make you feel welcome.

Grocery Store Laughs

Living in Suseong meant regular trips to the neighborhood grocery store, where I signed up for a membership card with a six-digit number. Every time I went through the checkout line, I had to give that number, but saying it in Korean was a challenge. I tried English first. Then hand signals. Every time, the cashier would smile, shake her head, and correct me.

Finally, she said, “No more. You learn Korean.”

And I did. She taught me the numbers, made me repeat them, and celebrated when I finally got it right. From that day on, she called me “Sta-she,” and I called her “Auntie” in Korean. Whenever I walked into the store, she’d spot me from across the room and yell, “Sta-she!” I’d yell back, “Auntie!” The entire store would turn to look at us, but we didn’t care. We’d just laugh. It was one of those simple, joyful connections that made Daegu feel like home. These everyday moments are why you should visit Daegu—it’s a city that welcomes you into its daily rhythms.

Cafe Hopping: A Must-Do in Daegu

Daegu is a great place to cafe hop. The cafes are stunning—some are open-air with gorgeous views, while others boast intricate, stylish interiors that make you want to linger for hours. Many are two-story spaces with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains or forest landscapes. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside attractions, and it’s easy to find a cafe where you can sip a latte while gazing at tree-covered hillsides.

While Daegu offers a lot—from beautiful temples to bustling markets—our favorite activity was exploring cafes. The city has an incredible cafe culture, with each spot offering a unique twist. Some had breathtaking views, while others were cozy hideaways with the aroma of fresh-roasted beans hanging in the air.

One of our most memorable finds was a small cafe tucked into an alley near downtown. The alley was lined with colorful murals, giving the whole area a whimsical feel. We wandered in, ordered two lattes, and spent hours just talking and watching people pass by. Another favorite was a cafe overlooking Suseong Lake. We’d sit outside, sipping sweet potato lattes and watching families paddle across the water. Each new cafe was like uncovering a hidden story, and those outings became the heart of our weekends. If you love coffee and laid-back afternoons, it’s yet another reason why you should visit Daegu. The city, often jokingly referred to as “Daefrica” because of its hot summers, is dotted with cafes that offer cool, relaxing retreats from the heat.

Nature and Quiet Moments

For a city surrounded by mountains, Daegu has no shortage of peaceful, natural escapes. Apsan Park was my go-to for fresh air and perspective. I’d ride the cable car to the top, especially around sunset when the city turned gold. From the observation deck, I’d stand still and watch as the streets below lit up, stretching toward the mountains in the distance.

Suseong Lake was another favorite spot. We’d walk the paved path around the lake, watching kids race toy boats and older couples dance to music playing softly from hidden speakers. The fountains, which lit up in different colors at night, gave the area a calm, magical glow.

Food Without the Intestines

Daegu is famous for makchang, grilled beef intestines. I can’t tell you how it tastes, though, because we never tried it. The first night we wandered through Anjirang Market, the smoky aroma was everywhere. We called a Korean friend to ask what it was, and as soon as she said “beef intestines,” we laughed and kept walking.

But that market is still worth a visit. The alley is charming, lined with small shops and colorful murals. While we passed on the makchang, we did indulge in hotteok—crispy pancakes filled with gooey brown sugar and nuts. Seomun Market became another regular stop for food adventures. From spicy tteokbokki to piping-hot mandu (dumplings), the variety and energy of the market always made it an exciting visit. It’s these markets and their flavors that show why you should visit Daegu—there’s always something delicious to try, even if you skip the intestines.

Festivals and Fun

Daegu knows how to celebrate. The city hosts lively festivals throughout the year, each offering a unique glimpse into local culture. The Chimac Festival is one of the most popular, combining two beloved Korean staples: fried chicken and beer. The atmosphere is electric, with live music, food stalls, and people dancing into the night.

Another can’t-miss event is the Daegu Lantern Festival, where colorful lanterns light up the night sky, creating a breathtaking spectacle along the city’s streams and parks. These events bring together locals and visitors alike, adding to the many reasons why you should visit Daegu.

Everyday Magic

Living in Daegu wasn’t about ticking off a checklist of attractions. It was about the everyday magic of connection and discovery. I made one great friend while I was there—someone I still keep in touch with and plan to visit in the future. I actually think it’s easier to make friends in Daegu than in Seoul or Busan. She helped me learn to read Korean, which opened up a whole new world of understanding. I confidently rode the subway, buses, and cabs all over the city, navigating neighborhoods that had once felt unfamiliar.

Over time, I discovered my favorite spots—a cozy cafe tucked into a quiet alley, the peaceful walking path around Suseong Lake, and the vibrant market stalls of Seomun. Daegu became my home away from home, a comfortable and familiar base that allowed me to travel all over South Korea. No matter how far I ventured—from Seoul to Busan to the mountains of Jeju Island—I always returned to Daegu with a sense of relief. It was where I belonged, even if only temporarily, and it’s a city that will always hold a piece of my heart.

If you’ve ever wondered why you should visit Daegu, it’s a city where life feels real. It’s not just about temples, parks, and markets—though you’ll find plenty of those. It’s about the people who cheer you on, the cafes that invite you to linger, and the simple moments that remind you how wonderful it is to feel at home, even when you’re far from it.

Daegu’s Trade Districts

Daegu isn’t just about malls and big stores—it’s a city with special trade districts where entire streets focus on one type of product. These districts started because Daegu has a long history as a textile and manufacturing center. Over time, craftsmen and shop owners set up in these areas to make shopping easier for everyone. Need shoes? Go to the custom shoe street. Looking for lighting? There’s a street for that too. It saves time and helps local businesses thrive. Plus, you get to see skilled tradespeople doing what they’ve done for generations. Whether you want herbs, furniture, or fabrics, these trade districts make shopping simple, efficient, and interesting.

• Textile and Fabric Market (Seomun Market)
• Herbal Medicine Street (Yangnyeongsi)
• Jewelry District
• Custom Shoe Street
• Lighting Street
• Electronics Market
• Furniture Street
• Book Alley (Cheongna Hill)

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