Skip to main content

Daegu Travel Guide: The Hot & Tasty Heart of Korea

· 3 min read
Elena Vance
Elena Vance
Editor-in-Chief & Logistics Expert

They call it "Daefrica" (Daegu + Africa). Yes, Daegu is the hottest city in South Korea. But the heat matches the passion of its people—and the spice level of its food. Located right in the middle of the Seoul-Busan KTX line, Daegu is often skipped. That is a mistake, especially if you love food and modern history.

Here is why you should hop off the train for 24 hours.

Daegu Travel Guide: The Hot & Tasty Heart of Korea

1. Daegu's "Ten Tastes" (The Food)​

Daegu people love chewy textures and strong spices.

Makchang (Grilled Intestines)​

This is the soul food of Daegu.

  • Where: Anjirang Makchang Alley. An entire street lined with 50+ restaurants serving nothing but grilled intestines.
  • Taste: It’s not gross. When grilled over charcoal, it tastes like crispy, fatty bacon. The secret is the "Makjang" dipping sauce (soybean paste, peanuts, chili, and scallions).

Dongin-dong Jjim-galbi​

Steamed beef ribs cooked in a crushed garlic and red pepper bomb.

  • Warning: It is incredibly garlicky. Don't plan a date afterwards.

Seomun Market Snacks​

The biggest market in the southern region.

  • Napjak Mandu (Flat Dumplings): Almost no filling, just crispy dough and glass noodles. You wrap them around spicy vegetables.
  • Kaljebi: A mix of knife-cut noodles (Kalguksu) and dough flakes (Sujebi).

2. Walking Through History (Modern Culture Alley)​

Unlike Seoul, Daegu was not destroyed during the Korean War. This means its early 20th-century colonial architecture is perfectly preserved.

The Course (2 Hours)​

Start at Cheongna Hill.

  1. Missionary Houses: Beautiful red-brick homes from the 1900s (Blair House, Chamness House).
  2. 3.1 Movement Steps: A historic stairway where students secretly gathered for the independence movement.
  3. Gyesan Cathedral: A gothic-style church that looks like it belongs in Europe.

3. Kim Gwang-seok Street​

A mural street dedicated to Kim Gwang-seok, a folk singer who is arguably the "Bob Dylan of Korea." Even if you don't know his songs, the vibe is lovely. Buskers play acoustic guitars, and every wall is an art piece.

4. Best View: Apsan Observatory​

Forget N Seoul Tower. The view from Mt. Apsan is superior because Daegu is a basin surrounded by mountains.

  • Logistics: Take the cable car up.
  • Best Time: Sunset. Watch the city lights turn on one by one.

5. Perfect Stopover Itinerary​

  • 1:00 PM: Arrive Dongdaegu Station (KTX).
  • 2:00 PM: Walk the Modern History Alley.
  • 4:00 PM: Coffee at Kim Gwang-seok Street.
  • 6:00 PM: Cable Car to Apsan Observatory for sunset.
  • 8:00 PM: Dinner at Anjirang Makchang Alley.
  • 10:00 PM: Late night snack at Seomun Night Market.

Daegu is hot, spicy, and loud. It’s a city with a distinct personality.