Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Daily Life
Some basic information on accommodation options and medical and other services in Dae-
gu is available at the city hall in the central (Jung-gu) area. There are also a number of
expat-oriented clubs and interest groups to join, including hiking groups, a rugby team, and
friendship and language exchange groups designed to bridge the gaps between the local
and foreign communities.
Daegu Compass
is the latest title to take a stab at the challen-
ging English-language magazine market, and also runs a website with good maps and tips
on promising local nightspots and events. The epicenter of the expat social scene is prob-
ably the buzzing Rodeo Street-Samdeok Fire Station zone in downtown Daegu, a few busy
streets that manage to cram in a surprising collection of restaurants and bars, from curry
houses to German-style microbreweries.
Health
Several Daegu hospitals have established international clinics catering to non-Korean
speakers, all with very high standards of medical care. Keimyung University's Dongsan
Medical Center, just west of the city center, is the best-known. In Suseong district, Hyosung
Hospital runs an international center with a particular focus on women's health issues.
Schools
Daegu has a few international education options, most affiliated with religious groups. The
Daegu International School runs classes based on the U.S. curriculum from kindergarten
through high school, with tuition rates of about 15-20 million won annually. The Daegu
American School, located on the Camp George U.S. military base, primarily serves the chil-
dren of U.S. service members but occasionally accepts outside students if space permits.
There's also a Chinese school for Mandarin speakers.
Shopping
Though imported goods are generally in shorter supply than in Seoul or Busan, there are
a number of superstores sprinkled throughout the city, such as E-mart, Home Plus, and
even a Costco, that carry a good range of foreign food mainstays as well as local produce.
For trendy clothing and higher-end retail goods, the department stores and boutiques of
Dongseong-no, a street running through the heart of central Daegu, is a good place to start.
Seomun Market is one of the largest traditional-type bazaars in the country and offers some
great bargains on fabrics, household items, and seafood.
