The Insider Travel Guide to Daegu, the Hometown of V and Suga of BTS
- Insider Korea
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Whether you're a K‑pop fan chasing the BTS trail, a curious traveler, or a food enthusiast, Daegu is a city that surprises and delights. I enjoy going to Daegu as it has all the things people love about Seoul (the big city feel, the cultural places, great food, walkable areas, etc.), but with fewer people and feels calmer.
I visited my top 5 places to check out in Daegu (before we got married, my wife used to live in Daegu, and we used to visit a few of these places often to hang out) back in 2020, but I have added a few more attractions at the end of this blog post.
Here is the YouTube video of the top 5 places to visit, but continue reading as there are 'honorable mentions' at the end of this blog post.
1. Seomun Market (서문시장)
Seomun Market is one of Korea’s oldest and largest traditional markets, with over 4,000 shops inside sprawling buildings and outdoor stalls. Dating back to the late Joseon Dynasty, it became one of the nation’s top three markets by the end of that era. If you are in any city in Korea, I recommend that you check out the most well-known markets in that city, as you will get to see many cool things as well as get to try some awesome food!
Why it’s a must-visit:
Culinary discovery: Try Daegu specialties like napjak mandu (flat dumplings), spicy tteokbokki, and sweet hotteok fresh off the griddle.
Historic ambience: Wander between textile vendors, noodle stalls, and artisanal crafts housed in a vibrant maze.
Night magic: Visit during the Seomun Night Market, when the atmosphere comes alive with glowing lanterns, live performers, and crowds enjoying late-night eats Reddit.
2. Dongseong-ro (동성로)
Dongseong‑ro is Daegu’s urban heartbeat—a pedestrian-only boulevard brimming with fashion boutiques, K‑beauty shops, themed cafés, and vibrant street life. If you have been to Seoul before, think of Myeong-dong. It's pretty similar.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Latest trends: This is where young locals shop, hang out, and enjoy café culture.
Pop culture connections: Fans often visit here to explore spots connected to BTS members’ hometown roots.
Nighttime energy: Streets glow under neon lights, buskers entertain, and the mood is electric.
3. Yangnyeongsi Medicine Market (약령시)
Dating back over 350 years, Yangnyeongsi is Korea’s oldest oriental medicine market. Visiting here is like stepping into Korea’s centuries-old traditions of healing. If you are into herbal medicine and aromatherapy, walking through this place will help you relax.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Cultural immersion: Rows of herbal shops offering ginseng, roots, teas, and traditional remedies.
Interactive history: The adjacent Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine invites you to learn, smell, and even try foot baths enriched with herbs.
4. Suseong Lake (수성못)
Need a calmer moment? Suseong Lake provides a peaceful lakeside escape within the city. You can take a walk around the lake, and there are many restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more. Also, if you are looking to stay overnight in Daegu, you can book a room at Hotel Susung, right next to the lake.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Activities to enjoy: Paddle boating, lakeside café strolling, people-watching.
Perfect photo ops: Spring & autumn reflections make for beautiful evening scenery.
5. 83 Tower & E-World (83타워 & 이월드)
Embedded within Duryu Park, the 83 Tower stands at 202 meters—offering spectacular panoramic views of Daegu. At its base lies E‑World, a European-style theme park full of lights, rides, and entertainment.
Why it’s a must-visit:
Highlights include: Sky Lounge observatory, glass skywalk, and rotating restaurants.
Family-friendly fun: Rides, gardens, and nighttime light shows bring extra charm.
'Honorable Mentions' to Explore in Daegu
To make your Daegu trip unforgettable, here are more attractions that didn't make it to my top 5 list. You can substitute any of the 5 above or take another day to enjoy everything about Daegu!
Apsan Park & Observatory – Ride the cable car up Apsan Mountain for stunning city views, hiking trails, and a war memorial.
Donghwasa Temple & Palgongsan Mountain – Famous for its giant stone Buddha and peaceful mountain backdrop.
Daegu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – A flexible way to explore top landmarks across the city in one day.👉 Check the Daegu Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass
Kim Gwangseok – The K-pop everyone loves now didn't start in the 2010s. We had more classics that Korean people rave about. Kim Gwangseok is one of those all-time favorites for Korean people.
And...if you would rather just have someone take you around, then check out this tour package.
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