10 Things to Do in Daegu on a Small Budget

Donghwasa Temple (Temple of Winter Flowers) is an ancient shrine on the southern side of Palgongsan Mountain. It dates back to 493 AD, and was built by a monk named Guel-Dal during the 15th year of King Soji’s reign. 

The Buddhist shrine was named after the flowers of Paulowania trees that grew within its compound. The prayer halls and pavilions are decorated with stone statues of mythical creatures and Buddhist deities – check out the 17-metre-tall sculpture of Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul, which was created as a petition to God for reunification. 

Daegu National Museum, one of the city’s largest museums, showcases the unique heritage of Daegu and the Buddhist culture of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The museum has about 30,000 artefacts dating back to the Neolithic era and the Korean dynasties, as well as Buddhist crafts, sculptures, and statues. 

Outside Daegu National Museum is a landscaped garden with several stone monuments that were excavated from several archaeological sites in Daegu. Must-sees include a 5-storey stone pagoda dating back to the Goryeo dynasty, a dwelling site from the Bronze Age, and a restored kiln from the Three Kingdoms period.

Daegu’s Buinsa Temple dates back to the 7th century and serves an affiliate temple of Donghwasa Temple. It’s also known as the memorial temple for Queen Seondeog of the Silla dynasty. A shrine for the queen was built within the premise, with memorial rituals taking place every 3rd lunar month. 

One of the most popular attractions in Buinsa Temple is the west pagoda. It’s believed to have been constructed during the unified Silla era. Entrance is free year-round, but you’re welcomed to make a donation to the temple.

Dalseong Park may sound like any other ordinary local park, but it's a famous spot that nearly every Daegu local has visited at least once. The sheer size of the park will amaze you right from the entrance and there's even a zoo on park grounds. Dalseong Park is well-landscaped, making it an ideal destination for long, slow walks. Seemingly endless stretches of lawns may make long walks sound a bit intimidating, but there are lots of benches and other areas where you can sit, relax and take a break. In spring, spectacular cherry blossoms and other spring flowers in bloom are a must-see.

Inheung Village, also known as the residence Village of the Nampyeong Mun clan, descendants of the Goryeo-era politician Mun Ikjeom, is well-known for serving as the filming location of the K-drama Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo. It's a charming village where seasonal flowers bloom every spring, summer and autumn. The pond Inheungwon at the entrance to the village is modelled after Wolji in Gyeongju, with a unique pine tree that is hundreds of years old. The village isn't a major tourist destination despite its importance and fame, so you can expect to enjoy the atmosphere of a beautiful hanok village without the hustle and bustle.

Bullo-dong Ancient Tomb Park is a mass burial site about 5 km north of Daegu city. It covers 330, 000 sq m, with around 200 grassy hillocks across the valley. These hillocks are known as tumuli or burial mounds, and they date back to the 2nd and the 6th centuries. The mounds are of nobles and commoners who lived during the period of Korea’s Three States.

The Hyangchon Cultural Center is a humorous yet realistic reproduction of Daegu in the 1900s, making it a great place to travel back in time for a day and reminisce. There are plenty of fun activities on hand, like trying on some period-correct school uniforms. The Daegu Literature Museum is a place to remember and commemorate writers who were once active in Daegu. It may seem more difficult to visit than the Hyangchon Cultural Center, but the nice part is that there's no admission fee.