There’s nothing to say. When we speak of Korea, we think of 2 cities: Seoul and Busan, the Korean equivalent of Paris and Marseille. But in between lies many cities. In Korea, it is the same. And even if named third largest city in South Korea, Daegu is a vibrant, cultural and historically rich city. Often overshadowed by the two biggest, Daegu remains a popular tourist destination for visitors. It is also famous for regularly hosting international events. Daegu is primarily an industrial city.
The country has gone from a relatively high poverty to top 20 richest countries in less than 30 years. The Kingdom of Silla, ruled by King Gyeongdeok, the 35th monarch in 757 starts to use the name of Daegu. The rapid industrial development, especially in the textile industry, has allowed Daegu in 1960 to surpass its neighboring towns. Also, in the 1970s, Daegu has become one of the three most important cities of South Korea. Now one of the fastest growing region in the XXI century, it hosts major international events like the 2011 World Athletics Championships. Needless to say, Daegu is full of restaurants, bars, clubs, norebang (read thus Karaoke) and other hot springs. But in Korea, it can be found anywhere.
So what to see in Daegu?
The provincial capital has many sights to see. First is Gatbawi. Statue several centuries atop a sacred mountain, it is a primary place of worship in Korea. During exams, many parents hike to Gatbawi to pray for their children to pass. It’s also a great place to trek. Sitting at the peak of the mountain is a giant rock Buddha sculpture, where you can say a prayer and light incense or place a coin on the stone. Legend has it that the Buddha is Gatbawi listener then hears your prayers. Countless candles, prayers pads and other scripts needed for more ambitious wishes.
Then the Donghwasa Temple. Always in the mountains, allow half a day to visit this massive and totally renovated temple. Built by the Geuk Dal – monk in the 15th year of the reign of King Soji ‘s Shilla ( 493 ), its original name of the temple was Yugasa. However Simjiwongsa rebuilt the temple under King Heungdeok ( reign 826 ~ 836 ) and called it Donghwasa. That means, even during the winter season, the paulownia tree blooms again. Then they rebuilt the present temple in 1732. And besides, it did not lose its charm. Interestingly, the characters in Korean mythology are represented in a series of sculptures behind a Buddha of impressive size. Moreover, Donghwasa Templestay runs two types of Templestay program, so you have the choice.
Then ……
Daegu herbal medicine market: Dating from 1658, this market has a large background history. It makes him one of the largest and oldest drug market in Korea. Filled with stores giving off different fragrance who will awake your curiosity. Be it lizards’ tails to magic mushrooms; If you are lucky you can witness someone receiving acupuncture. But it’s better for you if you learn the uses of this herb in its museum first. The choice is yours.
Daegu Stadium. Built in 2002 for the World cup, the Daegu Stadium is a must see! It is important to emphasize that this is the place to be to get a picnic in Family or between friends. In the mountains, picnic near the stadium in Daegu presents both an architectural wonder, but above all a breathtaking view amid a damn wild.
But most impressive in Daegu is the total and absolute immersion where the only foreigners are US soldiers based a few kilometers from the city.
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