If you're a fan of BTS and planning a trip to South Korea, then Daegu is a city you absolutely cannot miss.
Daegu is the country's fourth-largest city, boasting a rich tapestry of cultural heritage, vibrant street markets, and bustling city life. It's also the hometown of BTS members Suga and V, so I made it a point to visit it during my September trip to South Korea. I didn't have enough time, so I visited it on a day trip before going back to Seoul from Busan.
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| one of the many Suga murals in Daegu |
So, let me take you on my exhilarating journey, visiting the iconic BTS-related spots and other popular tourist spots in this vibrant city. The best part is that it doesn't cost anything to visit or enter these spots.
One Day Itinerary in Daegu for BTS ARMYs
I started my day in Busan. As I mentioned earlier, I decided to do this as a day trip on my way back to Seoul. I simply took the KTX on the Gyeongbu Line, with my ticket booked in advance using the Korail Pass. My train departed around 8am, and the whole train ride lasted for only 40 minutes.
Upon arriving in Daegu, I rented a locker at the train station so I could leave my backpack and walk around more conveniently with nothing weighing me down. Locker rental starts at around KRW2,000 if I remember correctly.
Dae Bongjeong Cafe
My first stop wasn't actually BTS-related, but it was a cute cafe that I saw on TikTok. It offers indoor seating and an expansive, relaxing outdoor seating area. The interiors have a rustic feel, with a cozy and inviting atmosphere. As usual, I ordered a glass of iced Americano and a delicious pastry to go with it.
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| the pretty interiors of Dae Bongjeong Cafe |
Plus, there's a cute little bookstore next to it. The bookstore has this sort of art gallery feel, making it worth the visit.
BTS Suga Murals
My first stop was the BTS Suga Murals. Located in the heart of Daegu, these stunning artworks pay tribute to BTS's talented rapper and producer, Suga. It's the perfect start to my BTS-themed adventure in Daegu.
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| me with one of the murals - thank goodness for self-timer |
I can't pin the exact location on Google Maps or Naver Maps but the murals are near the Daegu House of Youth Culture. If you walk around this area, you'll find several murals of Suga.
Seomun Market
Next up on my itinerary is a visit to Seomun Market, which is one of the biggest markets in the country. You can find all kinds of things there, like fresh produce, tasty street food, and even traditional clothes. Walking through the market feels like diving into a sea of colors and aromas.
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| Seomun Market |
While it's not exactly related to BTS, it's a fun spot to explore if you want to experience the lively side of Korean culture and grab some yummy snacks along the way. Plus, here you can find napjak mandu, which translates to "flat dumplings". These were said to be Suga's favourite and are a specialty in Daegu, typically filled with glass noodles and chives.
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| napjak mandu |
V Art Wall
Just a few minutes walk from the market is the V Art Wall. This wall, located close the BTS V's former school, stands as a vibrant tribute to him. Inspired by Van Gogh's timeless masterpiece, "Starry Night," this stunning mural captures the essence of V's passion for both music and art.
I stood for several minutes just admiring the wall and taking photos. Then suddenly, these two Korean ladies approached me and asked if I wanted to have a photo taken with the wall. As a solo traveler who rarely has a photo of myself when traveling, I immediately said "yes", and it was such a cute moment. I had a quick chat with them and found out that they're also ARMYs, and I love how we're always looking out for each other.
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| V Art Wall |
I can't pin the exact location of the V Art Wall because it's not on Google Maps or Naver Map but I will pin the bus stop next to it.
Dalseong Park
My last stop was Dalseong Park. While, at first, it may seem to not have any direct connections to BTS, it's actually a place that V used to visit when he was a kid. It's the perfect place to unwind with its lush greenery and numerous walking paths, offering a quick escape from the bustling city.
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| part of an old fortress in Dalseong Park |
It's free to enter, making it a budget-friendly place to visit. It also has a free zoo and picnic area, which means that the place gets very crowded on the weekends.
How to Get to Daegu From Seoul
Getting from Seoul to Daegu is a breeze, whether you're traveling by train, bus, or car. If you're doing a day trip, then the most convenient option is taking the KTX high-speed train, which whisks you from Seoul to Daegu in just under 2 hours. With frequent departures from Seoul Station, it's a convenient and comfortable way to travel, offering scenic views along the journey.
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| Daechwita-inspired Suga mural |
If you're staying for a few days in Daegu and prefer the flexibility of a bus, you can hop on one of the many intercity buses departing from Seoul's express bus terminals, with travel times ranging from 3 to 4 hours. And for those who prefer to drive, the journey takes approximately 4 hours via the Gyeongbu Expressway.
Once you're in Daegu, you can use public transportation to get around. The best part is that you can conveniently get around the cities in South Korea with just one transport card. If it's not hot and you don't mind walking, then you can also just walk from the Suga Murals all the way to Dalseong Park, working your way through this itinerary.
After walking around Dalseong Park, I made my way back to the train station, got my luggage, had an early dinner, and then caught the evening train going back to Seoul. Since I booked all my train tickets in advance, the whole trip was very easy and convenient.
So, if you're visiting South Korea, definitely plan your own BTS-themed adventure in Daegu. Trust me, it's worth the trip!
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