10 Experiences Unique to Daegu
There are plenty of things to, do, see and eat in Daegu. But there are also quite a few that you can only experience in the city. Explore the more eccentric side of Daegu at these 10 attractions.
Wonder at the Largest Stone Buddha in Korea
Buddhist Temple
Donghwa Temple, located near Palgonsan Cable Car, is a Buddhist temple with a 1, 500 year history. The religious site has many famous attractions, but the most celebrated is the Tongil Daebul, or “Great Unification” Buddha. Towering 33 meters above the temple grounds, it is the largest stone Buddha on the peninsula.
35 Dohak-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea, +82 53-982-0101
Donghwasa’s Unification Buddha towers over the temple grounds | © Jacques Beaulieu / Flickr
Dine Adventurously
If exotic food is your thing, then Anjirang Gopchang Alley is a must visit. Here, you can choose from a variety of restaurants that all serve up the same specialty: gopchang. This chewy delicacy of grilled cow or pork intestines is a favorite among Koreans and worth trying in Daegu.
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Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
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3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
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2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
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3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Appreciate the Art of Body Painting
Park
Held for two days in late summer at Duryu Park, the annual Daegu International Bodypainting Festival (DIBF) is a sight to be seen. Artists from all around the world come together to show off their skills at an event unlike any other. The highlight of the festival is the body painting competition, where nearly nude models are transformed into exquisite works of art in just a few short hours.
Duryu Park, Duryu-dong, Daegu
http://instagram.com/p/BJsfYpoBjC3/
Visit an Umbilical Cord Shrine
Shrine
During his reign, King Sejong, the creator of the Korean alphabet and the country’s most beloved monarch, collected the tae, umbilical cords and placenta, of his children. Tae signified a baby’s life and destiny, so to ensure good fortune for the child, Korean ancestors buried it in a holy place. King Sejong felt so fondly of Seongju, just outside of Daegu, that he moved the umbilical cords of 17 of his legitimate sons there.
Inchon-ri, Wolhang-myeon, Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea, +82 54-933-0021
Play Dirty at a Tomato Fight
Tomato lovers (or anyone who has ever wanted to be in a food fight of epic proportions) should not miss the Dalseong Red Festival, held in May. Inspired by Spain’s La Tomatina, the family-centric event hosts events such as a tomato parade, tomato wine tasting, and of course, a massive tomato fight.
Browse the World’s First Velvet Gallery
Museum
Youngdo Velvet Gallery is the world’s first velvet exhibition hall, and the only one in the country. Covering four floors, this unique museum showcases beautiful velvet clothing, Korean traditional costumes and other goods. Visitors can also experience velvet weaving, printing and dyeing.
39, Gongpyeong-ro 4-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea, +82-53-710-3700
Nerd out at a Sci-fi Restaurant
Restaurant
Toys. Figurines. Movie props. For the past 10 years, designer Woong Cho has collected memorabilia and recently decided to share his passion with Daegulites through his CW Restaurant. Part restaurant, part museum, the business is the only one of its kind in Korea. Housing a variety of collectibles from Star Wars, Terminator, Marvel, Pixar, and more, it pays homage to the highly influential comic and sci-fi worlds.
Gangbyeondong-ro 390 Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbukdo, South Korea, +82-3-812-6543
http://instagram.com/p/BFVfYlmjAe6/
Cool Down with Chicken and Beer
One of the best ways to cool down in Daegu, Korea’s hottest city, is to chow down on chimaek, or chicken and beer. The Daegu Chicken & Beer Festival takes place annually in July and offers a great opportunity for visitors to experience this increasingly popular aspect of Korean culture. Some 100 participating vendors serve up the country’s best recipes, while K-pop concerts keep audiences entertained.
http://instagram.com/p/BI9Sfn4DrDA/
Drink Butter Beer at a Harry Potter Cafe
Cafe, Restaurant, Korean, Coffee
Heal Your Body and Mind
Market
At Yangnyeong Market, the oldest oriental medicine market in Korea, browse shops that offer countless herbs and traditional treatments that promise to cure everything from high blood pressure to wrinkles. Top off your experience with an herbal foot bath at the nearby Daegu Yangnyeongsi Museum of Oriental Medicine.
49 (Namseong-ro), 415-gil, Dalgubeol daero, Junggo, Daegu, South Korea, +82 53-253-4729 ext. 3359
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