Take a culinary journey through Daegu, where tradition meets modern flavours. Start from Seomun Market, one of Korea’s oldest markets, famous for its authentic street food and glimpse into Korean history, then explore Apsan Café Street, a trendy area that showcases Daegu’s vibrant café culture and offers a beautiful sunset view.

This Daegu itinerary is divided into two parts:

It takes around 30 minutes by public transport to get from Seomun Market to Apsan Café Street, and all other Daegu attractions nearby are easily accessible on foot.

Food is one of the best ways to experience a country’s culture, and Daegu is the perfect place for food lovers to dive into authentic Korean flavours. Unlike dishes tailored for tourists, Daegu food stays true to its roots — these are genuine local favourites loved by the community.

To experience this, start at Seomun Market, one of the largest traditional markets in Korea. It’s a paradise for street food lovers and anyone curious about Korean ingredients and spices. With nearly 5,000 stalls across eight districts, you’ll find everything from fresh produce and dried seafood to handmade snacks.

As the sun sets, the Seomun Night Market comes alive with sizzling street food stalls offering tasty and affordable local treats — perfect for travellers who want to taste real Daegu food culture and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

This dish is a delicious fusion of two Korean favourites — noodle soup (guksu) and hand-pulled dough soup (sujebi). Both use a similar savoury broth, but while noodle soup features long, thin noodles cut from dough, hand-pulled dough soup uses bite-sized dough pieces stretched by hand.

At Seomun Market, you can try a special combo version that blends both styles in one hearty bowl — a must-try for anyone wanting to experience authentic Daegu comfort food.

Unlike the usual Korean mandu (dumplings) filled with minced meat and vegetables, Daegu’s flat mandu stands out with its unique twist. These thin, half-moon-shaped pancakes are stuffed with a small amount of glass noodles, then pan-fried in generous oil until golden and crispy—almost like being deep-fried.

They’re typically enjoyed with tteokbokki sauce or soy sauce for extra flavour. Recognised as one of the 10 Tastes of Daegu, flat mandu is a must-try street food that perfectly captures the local food culture of this vibrant city.

This Korean-style donut, known as kkwabaegi, is a beloved street snack made from a mix of flour and sweet rice powder. The dough is twisted into a spiral shape, deep-fried to golden perfection, and then coated with sugar. Soft, chewy, and delightfully sweet, it’s one of the must-try street foods in Korea, especially in Daegu’s Seomun Market.

For adventurous food lovers, chicken heart skewers are a must-try in Daegu’s Seomun Market. These grilled chicken hearts on skewers are seasoned to perfection and served with a variety of flavourful sauces, offering a unique and savoury taste of authentic Korean street food.

Address: 50, Dalseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: 09:00-18:00 (Closed every 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month) Night Market 19:00-22:30 (Closed Tuesdays)

Cheongna Hill was once home to Christian missionaries in the early 20th century. The name Cheongna means green vines, inspired by the plants they grew around their homes. Historic missionary houses such as Switzer’s House and Blair’s House still stand today, preserving the area’s heritage. Many of the missionaries and their families are buried nearby, making Cheongna Hill a peaceful and historically rich Daegu landmark that reflects the city’s cultural past.

These missionary houses from the 1910s showcase some of the earliest Western-style architecture in Daegu. A great example is Switzer’s House, which blends a traditional giwa (Korean tile roof) with an American-style red brick bungalow, symbolising harmony between Korean and Western culture. Today, the house serves as a museum dedicated to Daegu’s missionaries, displaying Bibles, artefacts, and historical photographs on the first floor, while the second floor features Biblical items brought from Israel.

On March 1, 1919, a peaceful independence march took place across Korea during the Japanese occupation. The movement that began in Seoul quickly spread nationwide, with Daegu becoming the centre of activity in the Gyeongsangbuk-do region. The stairs at Cheongna Hill are a historic site where independence activists once passed, leaving a powerful legacy. Visitors can now join an AR video experience on the stairs to relive the spirit and determination of those who fought for Korea’s freedom.

Address: 2029, Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu

At the foot of the 90 Stairs stands Gyesan Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Daegu and one of Korea’s most historic churches. Built in the early 1900s, it was the third Catholic church established in the country after those in Seoul and Pyeongyang, and the first Western-style building in Daegu.

Originally a hanok (traditional Korean house), the cathedral took on its majestic form after several expansions. Designed by Father Poisnel, the French architect behind Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul and Jeondong Cathedral in Jeonju, Gyesan Cathedral showcases a stunning Romanesque design with Gothic details, making it a must-visit Daegu landmark for history and architecture lovers.

Address: 10, Seoseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: Entry prohibited during mass

Mass: Monday-Friday, 06:30 Tuesday-Friday 11:00 and 19:30 Saturday 06:30, 16:00, 19:30 Sunday 06:30, 08:00, 09:30, 11:00, 17:00

After exploring Daegu’s street food and modern history, unwind at Apsan Café Street, a hotspot that showcases the best of Korea’s café culture. In Korea, cafés are more than just places to grab a drink—they’re cosy spaces to relax, chat with friends, and soak in the local vibe.

Apsan Café Street features a mix of trendy local cafés and popular franchises, each offering unique brews, desserts, and scenic views. The street transforms beautifully with every season—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden ginkgo leaves in autumn, and sparkling Christmas lights in winter—making it one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in Daegu.

Address: 192, Daemyeongnam-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: Varies by store

Located just a 10-minute walk from the entrance of Apsan Café Street towards Apsan Mountain, a.nook Apsan is one of Daegu’s most popular cafés—especially in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The café is best known for its panoramic terrace views and serene atmosphere, making it a favourite spot for locals and travellers alike.

More than just a pretty space, a.nook Apsan promotes a healthy dining culture with a strong focus on quality. The café maintains its high coffee standards through regular cupping sessions (coffee tastings) and serves freshly baked goods made entirely in-house. If you’re looking for a café that combines exceptional coffee, food, and views, this is one of the must-visit cafés in Daegu.

Bagels have become a major trend among Korea’s younger crowd, especially after several famous bagel shops were featured on TV shows in 2022. The cream cheese and scallion bagel sandwich quickly became a nationwide hit for its rich, savoury flavour combination.

At a.nook Apsan, visitors can enjoy a variety of freshly made bagel sandwiches, perfectly paired with the café’s signature coffee. Whether you’re a foodie or a café hopper, it’s the ideal spot in Daegu to taste one of Korea’s most popular modern café treats.

For a sweet treat, try the Ang Butter Bagel, a delicious blend of sweet red bean paste and creamy butter that perfectly balances flavour and texture. If you prefer something savoury, go for the Spring Bagel, one of 2023’s hottest café trends, featuring a rich cream cheese and scallion filling. Both options are must-tries at a.nook Apsan, showcasing why this spot is a favourite among Daegu café lovers.

Address: 459, Apsansunhwan-ro, Nam-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: 10:00-22:00 (brunch menu until 17:00)

As evening approaches, make your way to the Apsan Sunset Observatory, one of Daegu’s most famous sunset spots. Just a 15-minute walk from a.nook Apsan, the observatory offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city centre bathed in golden light.

Located within Apsan Ppallaeteo Park, a site once used for communal laundry, the observatory’s unique design—shaped like laundry being wrung out—pays homage to the area’s history. It’s the perfect place to end your day in Daegu, capturing stunning photos of the skyline as the sun sets over Apsan Mountain.

Address: 1501-2, Daemyeong-dong, Nam-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: 09:00-22:00

Wrap up your Daegu adventure with a visit to Anjirang Gopchang Alley, located just an 18-minute walk from the Apsan Sunset Observatory. This lively food street is famous for its grilled tripe (gopchang)—a dish that originated in Daegu in the 1970s and soon became a nationwide favourite.

Today, Anjirang Gopchang Alley is packed with restaurants serving this iconic local delicacy, which has earned its place among the 10 Tastes of Daegu. With its smoky aroma, sizzling grills, and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to experience authentic Daegu street food culture before ending your trip.

At Anjirang Gopchang Alley, visitors can savour both grilled tripe and small intestines, made from either beef or pork. While these dishes may be an acquired taste, their popularity is undeniable—evident from the bustling restaurants and lively crowds that fill the alley every night.

Each serving of grilled gopchang comes with a soybean paste dipping sauce, blended with garlic and scallions for a rich, savoury aroma. Dip the sizzling pieces into the sauce to enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, chewy tripe and deep, fermented flavours—a must-try for anyone looking to experience authentic Daegu cuisine.

In Daegu, grilled tripe (gopchang) is a popular late-night dish, best enjoyed with a bottle of soju—just like the locals do. The chewy, savoury tripe pairs perfectly with the crisp, clean taste of soju, creating a delicious balance of flavours. It’s the ideal way to end your Daegu food journey, savouring one last taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife and culinary culture.

Address: Daemyeong-ro 36-gil, Nam-gu, Daegu

Opening Hours: Depends on the store

Credit: https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/