Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For centuries Daegu has been a vital transportation center, situated near South Korea's geo-
graphic heart in a bowl-like mountain valley at the confluence of two major rivers and along
the first major road to link Seoul and Busan. These days it helps keep things on the move in
an entirely different way as a major producer of automobile parts. Textiles are the other key
industry, and the local government nurtures ambitions (as yet largely unrealized) of Daegu
becoming a fashion capital à la Milan. The city's hasty expansion over the past few decades
have left it with little to distinguish it visually, but the authorities have worked hard to boost
its charm with environmental and beautification projects, and Daegu now has a higher ratio
of parks per person than any other metropolis in South Korea.
The foreign population, about 22,000 strong and growing at a rate of around 8 percent
per year, is a mix of factory workers, teachers, executives, and military personnel. Most find
Daegu a pleasant—if not spectacularly exciting—home, with a small-town feel that belies
its 2.5 million or so population. The city has some lively entertainment districts, excellent
hiking in the surrounding hills, ample cultural resources, and swift transport connections to
other parts of the peninsula.
Like Daegu itself, the expatriate community is fairly spread out, but Suseong-gu, just
southeast of the city center, seems to be the preferred district for locals and foreign residents
alike. Suseong is a high-density area of mostly spanking-new high-rise apartments but also
boasts lovely tree-lined streets, top-notch sports facilities, and public gardens. Nicer three-
bedroom apartments in the 30
pyeong
(100 square meter) range rent for around 700,000
won per month, with deposits of about 10 million won, and carry average selling prices of
around 300 million won. There are also a significant number of foreigners in the Kyung-
pook National University area in north Daegu, which is a mix of newer apartment blocks
and older lower-rise villa housing. Accommodations in this area are significantly cheaper,
with monthly rents from around 300,000 won for a studio or 500,000 won for a small two-
bedroom unit after deposits of about 5 million won.
Culture
Daegu's cultural infrastructure is limited, and most foreign residents have to travel to Seoul
or Busan for truly world-beating events or exhibitions, but there are some local attractions
worth a look, including an arts house and opera center with regular performances, and mu-
seums in Suseong district and Kyungpook University with extensive collections of local
crafts and relics. The mountains surrounding Daegu also house several important historic
and religious sites, such as Donghwasa Temple and the Gatbawi Buddha.
