What You Need to Know About Daegu: This is South Korea’s Most Underrated City

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

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• 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
• Nightlife in Daegu
• K-Beauty and Wellness in Daegu
• Shopping in Daegu
• Parks in Daegu
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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.

Nightlife in Daegu

Daegu glows after dark. It may not have Seoul’s constant motion or Busan’s coastal nightlife, but there’s always something happening here. Once the sun dips behind the mountains, the city trades its calm rhythm for neon light and laughter. Downtown, around Dongseongno and Banwoldang, the walking streets fill with music, sizzling meat, and chatter spilling out of restaurants and bars. Street vendors fry snacks beside couples waiting for a table at their favorite barbecue spot. Friends gather over beer towers and grilled pork belly, and karaoke rooms echo with voices that don’t care who’s listening.

Some nights, I’d wander to Spark Land, the small amusement park perched on top of a downtown building. Its glowing ferris wheel lights up the skyline, and the glass-bottom cars give you a wild view straight down to the street below. It’s strange and wonderful—part thrill ride, part city-light show. Other evenings, we’d walk along the Sincheon Stream, where the pace slows, or head to Daegu’s E-World, where rides, games, and bright lights keep the city buzzing late into the night.

Suseong Lake is just as lively, with families strolling under lamplight, fountains dancing to music, and cafes buzzing late into the night. When I wanted quiet, I’d take the cable car up to Apsan Observatory to watch the city glow from above. From that height, Daegu feels endless—tiny headlights threading through the streets, apartment towers blinking like fireflies.

Daegu may sit in the shadow of Korea’s bigger cities, but that’s part of its charm. I love the pace of life in Daegu. You can dance, sing, laugh, or just breathe it all in. There’s always something to do, and always room for you to be part of it.

K-Beauty and Wellness in Daegu

One of the things I loved most about living in Daegu was how easy it was to take care of yourself. The city is full of K-beauty clinics, spas, and wellness spots that make self-care feel effortless. My favorite was BL Dermatology, where I went for facials, microdermabrasion, and laser skin treatments that left my skin glowing for days. The service was professional but relaxed, and every visit felt like a small act of renewal.

I also visited the infamous weight doctor, Dr. Kim, whose program actually worked—I lost a lot of weight under his care. Beyond that, Daegu offered endless ways to unwind: pedicures and manicures that were detailed to perfection, full-body massages, acupuncture sessions, and herbal treatments that blended traditional Korean medicine with modern comfort. I even tried flying yoga, which was both humbling and exhilarating.

K-beauty stores are everywhere—lining downtown streets, tucked inside subway stations, and filling the underground malls. Olive Young, Innisfree, Etude House, and Nature Republic are some of the most popular, and I could spend hours sampling serums, face masks, and skincare gadgets that hadn’t even reached the U.S. yet.

And then there are the jjimjilbangs—Korean bathhouses that feel like part spa, part social club. You can soak in hot mineral pools, relax in herbal saunas, and finish with a body scrub that makes your skin baby-soft. Between the clinics, markets, and spas, wellness in Daegu isn’t about indulgence—it’s part of daily life. Whether I was trying a new facial treatment or spending the afternoon at a jjimjilbang, I always walked away feeling lighter, calmer, and completely at ease in my own skin.

Shopping in Daegu

Daegu isn’t just about malls and big stores—it’s a city built for browsing. Shopping here feels personal, shaped by its long history as a textile and manufacturing hub. Entire streets are dedicated to one trade, and generations of craftsmen still run the shops their families started. Need shoes? There’s a custom shoe street. Looking for fabric or furniture? You’ll find whole districts devoted to them. These markets make shopping easy, authentic, and full of character.

At the heart of it all is Seomun Market, one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea. Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, Seomun was once one of the country’s three great markets. Today, it still hums with that same historic energy. Vendors sell everything from handwoven fabrics and embroidery to local street food. At night, the market glows with light and life—the smell of hotteok, spicy tteokbokki, and grilled skewers filling the air.

Nearby, Gwanmun Market offers a different kind of charm. It’s known for secondhand treasures, especially used hanboks that reflect Korea’s elegance without the high price tag. Each stall feels like a little piece of the past waiting to be rediscovered.

My favorite shops are Daiso and all the K-beauty stores like Innisfree, Etude House, Nature Republic, Missha, and Olive Young. Modern Daegu has its own shopping rhythm, too. The underground malls that run beneath the downtown streets are packed with trendy boutiques and local brands. Above ground, Hyundai Department Store brings the luxury, while Donga Department Store—right next door—keeps things stylish but more affordable. And at Dongdaegu Station, Shinsegae Department Store is sleek and modern, with rooftop views and seven or eight floors of shopping.

Every mall in Daegu makes food part of the experience. You’ll find entire floors dedicated to dining—from Korean comfort classics to sushi, bakeries, and dessert cafes. Whether you’re hunting for silk fabric, vintage hanboks, or the latest Korean fashion, Daegu’s shopping scene connects tradition and trend in one unforgettable city.

Parks in Daegu

Daegu’s parks are where the city exhales. Green spaces stretch across neighborhoods, offering calm escapes from the busy streets. Apsan Park is the most well-known, with hiking trails, temples, and a cable car leading to a sweeping view of the skyline. On weekends, families picnic beneath the trees or hike up to the observatory to watch the city glow at sunset.

Suseong Lake is one of the most peaceful places to unwind. Locals walk the paved path around the water, watch the fountains light up at night, or stop at one of the many cafes that line the shore. Nearby, the Uksucheon Stream offers another quiet retreat, with bike paths and small bridges shaded by willows.

The city is also full of small surprises. Hajungdo Island, a short drive from downtown, is a microcosm of every season—cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in summer, and golden reeds in fall. Duryu Park bursts with roses each spring, while Samunjin Pier blends nature and history, offering broad river views where old ferries once crossed.

Daegu has no shortage of nature. There are small parks and green spaces tucked between apartment buildings, along streams, and behind shopping streets—proof that even in one of Korea’s largest cities, you’re never far from a quiet place to breathe.

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