15 THINGS TO DO IN DAEGU DURING SPRING

If you happen to visit South Korea in spring, you are in for a real treat. Everything is in bloom, the weather is mild, and it’s hard to avoid the many festivals that take place around the country. I have had the pleasure of experiencing my first spring in Daegu, South Korea this year. While it isn’t at the top of most peoples’ lists when visiting Korea, Daegu has already provided me with countless memories worth sharing. Spring is a great time to visit Daegu {after the drab winter and before the deathly humidity kicks in} and I’ve narrowed down 15 things to do while you are here.

Spring in Daegu {by my standards}: March 25 – May 25 

Witness the cherry blossoms in bloom

The entire country is worth visiting during this time of the year to witness the beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom. That being said, Daegu has a few fantastic locations to scope out these fluffy, white trees. Suseong Lake, Apsan Mountain and Observatory, and Tower 83 are all amazing places to catch cherry blossoms.

Samsung Lions game

Baseball {America’s pastime} has found it’s way into the hearts of Koreans and for this I am grateful. Baseball happens to be my favorite sport {to watch} and a perfect way too spend an afternoon in Daegu. The season occurs in spring, making it my number two activity to participate in on this list. Even if you aren’t a fan of the game, the atmosphere at the Samsung Lions game’s is contagious. I was up on my feet, chanting the Korean chants with the entire stadium by the end of the game.

Daegu Art Museum

Rainfall is inevitable in spring. I mean, April showers anyone? Should you find yourself hiding from the rain one afternoon in Daegu, you may as well hide in a museum. The Daegu Art Museum is a fun place to kill a drab afternoon. It will only set you back $1.00 and there is a chance you will witness a live performance with your ticket purchase.

Daegu Arboretum

The Daegu Arboretum: my new favorite location in Daegu. This botanical garden truly impressed me. There are so many Insta-worthy spots within the Arboretum including a small bamboo forest and multiple green houses. I can’t wait to get back and bring my tripod for some glorified selfies. With an iced coffee in hand, it was a great way to spend a sunny afternoon alongside friends here in Daegu. And the best part, it’s free!

Brunch

Let’s be honest, brunch should never be considered seasonal. When I lived in New York City last year, brunch was a year-round event. That being said, it’s hard to beat eating brunch outside on a patio during a warm spring day. You can read more about brunch locations in Daegu, here.

Aspan Observatory 

Apsan Mountain is a popular hiking route for locals here in Daegu. Not having done it myself, I can only comment on the observatory {reachable via cable car}. You can see the entire city of Daegu from above, and guys, it shouldn’t be missed. If you have your heart set on hiking to the observatory, spring is the perfect opportunity. The weather is mild enough and you have a better chance at cleaner air quality thanks to the rain coming and going.

Daegaya Festival

The Daegaya Festival only takes place in spring and provides locals and tourists alike with a true cultural experience. The festival celebrates the ancient kingdom of Daegaya (AD 42-562). You can wear Hanbok {traditional Korea attire}, try your hand {literally} at pottery, Mokseon {wooden ship} making, and more. You will also witness a parade and live performance, should you choose to stay into the evening. The cost of the festival will depend on the activities you participate in.

Picnic in Druyu Park

I always make it a point to picnic in any new city I reside in. Personally, I find it to be the perfect spring activity, and Daegu is no exception. If I had to choose, Druyu park would be my ideal location to order chicken and sip beer all afternoon. That’s right — a Korean style picnic includes solely fried chicken and beer. Simple, yet exceptional.

Take a Day Trip to Busan

I just returned from Busan and I can wholeheartedly say this is one of the best things to do in spring. From Daegu, you can hop on the KTX for less than $20.00, and arrive in Busan in 40 minutes. That was the length of my commute every morning from Brooklyn to Manhattan. While it may not always be hot enough to chase waves in the ocean, visiting Busan in spring allows you to admire the beaches, temples, and villages in cool, coastal temperatures. I wore shorts every day on my trip and spent hours on the beach soaking in the sunshine. I never wanted to leave…

Suseong Lake

Located in the east, Suseong Lake offers a great escape from the hustle and bustle of downtown Daegu. This lake is a sight to see year round, but it especially shines in spring. Cherry blossoms line the circumference and paddle boats can be found gliding along the waters’ surface. Bring a bottle of wine and a couple of your best girlfriends for a sunset picnic – you won’t be disappointed. See more from my vlog, here.

Palgongsan Mountain 

I have been anticipating hiking this mountain since I arrived in Daegu, and I can finally say I will accomplish it come Wednesday. Even so, hiking is everyone’s favorite pastime in Korea and this mountain shouldn’t be missed according to locals. I highly suggest hiking Palgongsan Mountain in spring to avoid the eventual heat in summer here in ‘Daefrica’. I will report back on my experience!

Dalgubeol Lantern Festival

Another festival that only occurs in spring, the Dalgubeol Lantern Festival attracts people from all over the country. You are probably getting sick of me comparing this festval to the Disney movie ‘Tangled’, but guys, at last I see the light and it’s like the sky is new and it’s warm and real and bright and the world has somehow shifted. Anyone? No? Well, regardless this is a spectacular event and I urge everyone to witness it. Tickets to release lanterns sell out extremely fast, but fear not. You can still be a bystander to the spectacle for free if you arrive early on the day of the festival and stand in line for a wrist band. The earlier you get there, the better. You can see more about the festival on my recent vlog, here.

Go Strawberry Picking

As part of the Daegaya Festival {mentioned previously}, you have the option of picking strawberries on a strawberry farm. This will only set you back $7.00, and it is such a great experience. You can witness my own strawberry picking skills here. After doing some research, I realized there are many farms in Daegu that offer strawberry picking as an afternoon event. And not only strawberries! Depending on the season, you can pick apples, cherries, apricots, persimmons, etc. Read here to find out more.

Mabijeong Mural Village

Located just outside Daegu, this mural village is a unique experience. Mabijeong translates to ‘Pavilion where a horse flew’, and there is a legend attached with the name. This is why you’ll see plenty of horses referenced throughout the village. Along with these you will see {as expected} beautiful murals. They cover nearly every wall, and offer an insight into the culture of the area. It’s a fun thing to do if you are looking to kill an hour or so one afternoon. You can reach the village by bus or car: Mabijeong, Bonli2-ri, Hwawon-eup, Dalseong-gun, Daegu

Daegu has become somewhat of a sanctuary for me, and I feel lucky to call it home. That being said, I have yet to experience a summer in this hot and humid location. I hope this list gave you an idea of what to do if you every get a chance to visit. Coming up on the blog next, Busan!