Often, when people talk about South Korea, the spotlight shines brightly on the capital, Seoul. Yet, just a little beyond this urban metropolis lies a realm of overlooked wonders. If you venture beyond the city limits of Seoul, you'll find pockets of South Korea that are just as captivating. Let's embark on a week-long itinerary to one such gem: Daegu.
Recognized as the hometown of K-Pop sensations like BTS's V and Suga, as well as Red Velvet's Irene, Daegu offers a mosaic of vibrant culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and must-see landmarks.
Kickstart your Daegu adventure at the city's renowned amusement park, E-World. If you're a fan of the hit series "Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo," this locale might seem familiar – it's where the characters had their unforgettable date! But E-World isn't just about the rides. Ascend the 83 Tower, and you'll be treated to a panoramic view of Daegu, painting a memory you'll cherish forever.
Day two is all about hiking up Apsan Mountain. Accompanying the mountain is a park that is dedicated to the Korean War, the Nakdong Battle, and more. Not only can you witness the natural beauty of Daegu, but you also get a slice of history too.
After all the walking and hiking at the amusement park, you're bound to crave some yummy food. Day three dives deep into exploring all the vast cuisines that Daegu has to offer. But where to start? Daegu's most iconic dish in the region is jjimdak, also known as braised chicken and grilled gopchang (cow or pig intestines)! These two dishes are so popular that Daegu even has an entire alleyway full of gopchang restaurants.
Now that you've filled up your stomach with some food, you can't miss out on desserts.
Day four is all about the sweets and baked goods, and if there's one bakery that you're definitely going to want to stop by, it's Samsong Bakery. The very place where the viral mayak bbang (pastries) is sold. It's also the place where Krystal visited to get her hands on the special bread.
Back to more walking and exploring. If you're looking to get some of the best aesthetically pleasing photos, then head over to Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park. This is the spot you want to be in, especially when the cherry blossoms bloom. It's like you're in a scene from a drama!
With all the traveling and exploring going on, you're bound to get exhausted, but if you're looking for a pick-me-up, you want to head over to Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market and Museum for day five of your trip. At the museum, you can stop by the gift shop to pick up some medicinal items, such as ginseng chocolate, which is a unique flavor combination indeed.
With two days left in your itinerary, you'll want to finish off your trip with the lasting taste of Daegu; therefore, make sure you stop by Seomun Market. With various food vendors, and mom-and-pop shops, Seomun Market also has some of the best night markets in town too!
While Daegu may not have the hustle and bustle of Seoul, it's definitely a place that you want to visit because there are so many unique things to do there.
I have some acquaintances living there but never been there myself. Hope I can travel to SK someday.