Daegu Symphony Orchestra

Led by Conductor Julian Kovatchev, 

Sparks a Classical Music Craze

A Classical Music Pioneer, Daegu Symphony Orchestra

In each of the world's major cities there is always a world class orchestra that plays under the name of the city it represents, such as the London Symphony Orchestra of England, the New York Philharmonic Orchestra of the US, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra of Germany, and the Wien Philharmonic Orchestra of Austria. The reason behind this is that the level of an orchestra is said to be a measure that reflects the corresponding country and city's level of art and culture. Daegu, a city which that holds art and culture in high stead, boasts the Daegu Symphony Orchestra which this year marks the 51st anniversary of its foundation. With the re-opening of the Daegu Citizens' Center in November 2013, the region's very first specialized classical music concert hall, resident group the Daegu .

Symphony Orchestra has grown to take the leading role 

in sparking a classical music craze in the region.

Founded in 1964, the Daegu Symphony Orchestra is the fourth public symphony orchestra established in Korea following the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra in 1945, the KBS Symphony Orchestra in 1956, and the Busan Philharmonic Orchestra in 1962. However, following its foundation, the orchestra underwent much hardship due to inferior practice facility and performance hall as well as a several financial crisis. Even in the midst of such crises, the Daegu Symphony Orchestra continued to lead the development of classical music in Korea and in April of 2014 appointed world class conductor Julian Kobachev, one of the world's top 10 musical conductors, as its permanent conductor. Kobachev, together with the orchestra's 100 members, convey the emotion of classical music. The orchestra is at the forefront of the expansion of classical music's fan base, holding year-round regular classical concerts, unique planned concerts, and concerto nights for teenagers and university students for the purpose of uncovering the region's classical music talent.

Bringing in a new era at the Daegu Citizens' Center, the Daegu Symphony Orchestra has regained the spotlight since last year thanks to the group’s musical emotion and regular concerts led by permanent conductor Julian Kobachev, recording a sell out of orchestra events. Although tickets generally go on sale about 1 month prior to the performance, on a number of occasions there were no tickets left even after the balcony and chorus seats were made available. It's no wonder that requests for Daegu Symphony Orchestra tickets began to appear on the message boards of classical music-related websites. What could be the reason for such enthusiasm toward the Symphony's concerts? The true value of classical music on display at the Daegu Citizens' Center, the result of the skill of leading conductor Julian Kobachev and harmony of the orchestra's members, is the reason for such enthusiasm.

A Leader in Emotion, Conductor Julian Kovatchev

Having created a bond with Korea while serving as visiting conductor of the KBS Symphony Orchestra and National Opera of Korea, Julian Kobachev is an orchestra and opera conductor active on the world stage in countries including the US, Germany and Italy. Despite this, there was a mix of expectation and concern at the news that the mysterious, unknown figure Kobachev had been confirmed as the Daegu Symphony Orchestra's musical director and permanent conductor. However, as soon as the first performance held by Kobachev and the orchestra had finished, the standing ovation given by the audience showed that these concerns had indeed been groundless.

Conductor Julian Kobachev was born in Bulgaria and studied the violin from an early age, completing a diploma in music at the Salzburg Mozarteum in Austria after immigrating to Germany. He was taught by world renowned conductor Karajan after deciding to follow the path to becoming a conductor, and was awarded at the Karajan Conductors Concours in 1984. He has served as musical director of the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra of Bulgaria and Zagreb Symphony Orchestra of Croatia, in addition to chief visiting director at the Trieste Verdi Theatre in Italy. Demonstrating an outstanding ability also for opera conducting, Kobachev has been invited each year to direct at international festivals such as the Verona Opera Festival.

Having led world-renowned orchestras, Julian Kobachev has some words that he tells the members of the Daegu Symphony Orchestra each time they practice. “You are the very best performers.” “Just relax and play comfortably." "Make strong and ample sound." "Don't be afraid of making a mistake." Kobachev believes in all of the orchestra's members and continually encourages them to bring out their potential. The members have gradually built an understanding with their conductor and begun to enjoy performing, and a rumour making the rounds between spectators that "the orchestra's sound is different now" has drawn much interest and favour. When played from the heart, music conveys emotion, and a state with emotion attracts an audience. Julian Kobachev's leadership of emotion is the driving force behind the increasing popularity of the Daegu Symphony Orchestra.

Daegu Citizen Hall, A Global Standard Concert Hall

Opened in 1975, the Daegu Citizens' Center underwent 3 years of renovations from March 2011 and finally re-opened in November of 2013. The center comprises a 1,200 seat grand concert hall and 240 seat chamber hall, and is the region's first specialized concert hall with world class acoustics as a result of its shoebox form. The hall was designed with a focus on the sound diffusing/reflecting surfaces of the roof and walls, and a greater sense of immediacy was created by narrowing the gap between the seats and stage as much as possible. In a sound test conducted at the time of the Center's re-opening, reverberation time (the time it takes for energy density to decrease by a factor of one million) was 2 seconds. In two seconds it is possible to smoothly and richly convey sound over a long distance and is seen as optimal for the appreciation of a musical performance.

Following its re-opening, the Daegu Citizens' Center positioned itself as the Daegu region's premier venue for classical music. Renowned production agencies and orchestra officials from Germany, Russia, and Japan holding visiting performances in Korea have all been lavish in their praise for the center, labelling it the very best performance hall. As a result, performances by the world's leading orchestras and virtuosos will be frequently held at the center this year. Now with its own outstanding practice facility after years of effort and waiting, the Daegu Symphony Orchestra will continue to play for its audience with a sense of confidence that comes from being the residental performing group.

Korean Classical Music with Joy and Emotion

Audiences at classical music performances are much more diverse than they once were. Despite this, there are still many who are still unfamiliar with or find classical music hard to appreciate. It is for this reason that the Daegu Symphony Orchestra plans to expand the number 'Peoples' Happiness Concert's held not only in concert halls, but also visiting performances for members of all social classes as well as regions and groups that have limited access to cultural activities. The Daegu Symphony Orchestra will continue to do its very best to share the enjoyment and emotion presented by classical music with more and more people.

7th World Water Forum 2015 (Closing Ceremony)

The closing ceremony held from 14:00 at Convention Hall A on the 5^th floor. Around 700 attendees including Jung-moo Lee, Chairman of the National Committee for the 7^th World Water Forum, Benedito Braga, President of the World Water Council, Young-jin Kwon, Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan city, Kwan-yong Kim, Governor of Gyeongsangbuk-do province, Soontak Lee, Co-chair of the International Steering Committee, the delegation from Brazil, the host of the next World Water Forum, water experts, businesses, and citizens participated.

The closing ceremony included prize awarding ceremonies of the Kyoto World Water Grand Prize, Mexico Water Prize, and Daegu & Gyeongbuk Water Prize. During the Daegu & Gyeongbuk Water Prize ceremony, winners of the Water Showcase and World Water Challenge World Final, which focused on collecting excellent implementation cases from the world and innovative scientific and technological solutions to water challenges, received a trophy and a grant of KRW 3,0000,000 (approx. USD 27,680).

The Expo & Fair had and brilliant outcome.   It was held during the Forum week provided lots of networking opportunities such as the Water Business Forum.

Many debates, discussions, and presentations were held at national pavilions and other spaces, which were used for networking and business.

We thank you all for participants' enthusiasm for water.

We hope that everybody spends a great time left at Korea.

Water For Our Future!

7th World Water Forum 2015 (Exco Plus)

EXCO Plus

is a Daegu Guide made from exco.

Published especially for foreign visitors who visit Daegu 

during the 7th World Water Forum.

There are 8 themes in EXCO Plus, such as 

The birthplace of Samsung

Seomun Market

Modern Alley Tour

Downtown Streets

Tailored Suits and Handmade shoes

Apsan Mt.

Craft beer club

Introduction of EXCO!

Written by a foreign reporter, it is much easier to understand!

A participant reading EXCO Plus while waiting for the shuttle bus.

We handout EXCO Plus 

every hour for those who use the shuttle bus on the way to Gyeong-ju.

Hoping that they can read, 

feel the fascinating

charm of Daegu.

Thank you very much ;)

7th World Water Forum 2015 (Opening Ceremony)

The Opening Ceremony of the

7th World Water Forum has been held at April 12th(Sun.)

at EXCO, Daegu.

Many participants have visited EXCO :)

 Speech by the Daegu City Mayer, Gwon Yeongjin

The president of Korea has also visited EXCO, too!

And also many important participants have came for the

7th World Water Forum 2015.

There has been slight of an accident, but it was forgotten soon

when the performance began!

Never knew that one can express water so beautifully!

The Birthplace of Samsung

From Groceries to Gadgets

 

Mention the name ‘Samsung’ and you most likely think of the latest in smartphone technology or possibly any of the conglomerate’s subsidiaries that sell anything from

insurance to ships. What many don’t know is the company’s quaint beginnings as a neighborhood grocery store and trading post. 

The original building is gone, demolished in 1997 because of unsafe conditions, but visitors to Daegu can still visit the small memorial on the site where it all began. The founder of Samsung, Lee Byung-Chull started Samsung Company(Sanghoe) in 1938 in a stately wooden structure proud against the neighboring stalls of Seomun market. 40 employees worked the front office, made noodles, and procured goods for export.

 

Lee, while taking care of his business, didn’t neglect the welfare of neighbors. He decided to serve his community once his business began to stabilize. He tried to provide work for financially stressed merchants or vendors in and around Seomun Market. Lee planned meals for the merchants and vendors, recalling his own experience of being hungry on cold days while traveling in foreign countries. In the meantime, he also decided to serve noodles to people living in the area. He installed flour mill and noodle-making machines and launched a noodle named “Star Noodles”. Responses from the people were surprising. Star Noodles was in business until the late 1960s, serving merchants who visited Daegu and area residents.

 

Located near the Seoul-Busan rail line, Samsung Company was able to expand rapidly into new ventures and moved to Seoul after seven years of booming business in Daegu’s Ingyo-dong district. Lee on September 15, 1954, inaugurated Cheil

Woolen Fabrics Industries with his dreams and stood at the forefront of the industry. This became the cornerstone of Daegu textile industry. Lee endeavored to make his dream come true; his dream was to make his company like a home. He wanted his workers to lead good lives. He completed the dream by opening “Garden Factory” which had dormitories for woman employees. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

Today, the original site is an inspiration to the entrepreneur in all of us. The location is easy to find: just steps from the Dalseong Park bus stop and a new monorail station.

An outdoor memorial includes a small replica of the building, as well as an impression of the facade carved into a large wall. A series of informative plaques chronicles the transformative early years of the company while headquartered at the humble location. It’s a good place to gain perspective on the company’s, and the country’s, story of meteoric rise to riches.

 

Samsung’s legacy in Daegu continues as the company is partnering with the city to construct the Daegu Samsung Creative Economy Cluster. Scheduled to be complete in late 2016, the cluster will serve as an incubator for small businesses in the area as well as a larger memorial for the company and its’ founder. In addition, a statue of Lee was erected in front of the Daegu Opera House in 2010, which has already inspired a tradition of touching the statue for financial success.

 

Daegu Symphony Orchestra

Special Concert to Celebrate 2015 7th World Water Forum

'Music above Water'

2015.4.14 Tue. 7:30pm

Grand Concert Hall, Daegu Citizen Hall

Ticket prices all have the same range, 10,000won.

Reservation available at

Daegu Symphony Orchestra +82-53-250-1475

Daegu Citizen Hall +82-53-250-1400

DGTickets +82-53-422-1255

G.F. Handel_ " Music on the water " of the Prelude Suite - Alabama hornpipe
Sooin Lee_My heart of the river (Sop. Choi )
C. Gounod_Arias from "Romeo and Juliet " "Oh ! Feel like living in a dream (Sop. Choi )
Doonam Cho_Shanty (Ten. Haseokbae )
Italian Folk Song_Let's go to the sea (Ten. Haseokbae )
B. Smetana_Symphonic Suite "My Fatherland " Moldau
Woosang Lim_六坎水 for orchestra No. 2
P.I Tchaikovsky_Ballet " Swan Lake ", Op.20

Summer In The City

Spas And Camping Around Daegu

As soon as May comes around, many people get the ‘theme park itch’ and search for the nearest roller coaster or water park. Instead of trekking up to Everland or Lotte World in Seoul, there are some great summer options in Daegu worth checking out, all a fraction of the cost of the more expensive options available in Seoul or elsewhere.

The Elybaden facility in Sang-In may call itself a “spa,” but seems more like an indoor amusement park. Twelve hours of access to all the amenities in this huge, ultramodern complex costs only 23,000 won. Whether seeking leisure, thrills or both, no one goes home disappointed.

After paying the entry fee, visitors receive a locker key on a rubber bracelet. This bracelet doubles as your wallet for the day. After quickly changing in the locker room, the facility is yours to explore. The main pool is a gigantic oval. Its entire circumference is an array of water massage gadgetry; one could spend the entire day swimming from station to station, enjoying the unique benefits of each. Swimming through a small tunnel at the far side of the pool leads outdoors, where a riptide carries swimmers around a big, looped track. Also in the pool area are hot tubs, water slides, a kiddie area, and a small obstacle course.

As much fun as there is to be had in the pool, it accounts for less than half of what you can do at Spa Elybaden. After changing into jimjilbok (pajamas), guests can head to the third floor and become lost in a sea of relaxing options. The main room has a lineup of massage chairs and tables. Floor mats are available for resting anywhere one pleases, including a darkened tunnel for two, three different scented “sleeping rooms,” or just anywhere on the floor.

Also on the third floor are six separate saunas, each with its own temperature and theme. The salt room, kept at about 55 degrees Celsius (130 degrees Fahrenheit), is covered with salt rocks for burying or throwing at friends as they try to unwind. The teepee shaped sauna is kept at a brutal 65 degrees Celsius (150 degrees Fahrenheit)! Luckily it’s attached to the ice room.

The fun doesn’t stop there. Within the facility is an arcade, PC room, noraebang, and movie theater. On the third floor is a food court with Korean, Chinese, and Western options. For salon treatment, Elybaden covers it all. Manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages are all available for between 10,000-70,000 won.

The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.  To reduce travel expenses, take the red line to Sang-In Station and take a ten-minute cab ride from there.

 If you’re game for a slightly longer excursion out of town, you’ll find that the options are even more limitless. In the scenic mountains of southern Daegu lies Spa Valley.  With its outdoor waterpark (open in May), indoor spas and saunas, Spa Valley provides both excitement and relaxation for all ages. And now the hills above are home to ForRest, a beautiful park and camping ground. Make it a weekend and stay the night next door to the waterpark.

At ForRest’s main desk, visitors choose a time to have their BBQ delivered then hop in a van for a ride to their tent. Amenities include a large JEEP tent that easily sleeps up to four people with chairs and a table, a netted socializing area, a matted sleeping area and a cozy wooden deck. No need to haul your own gear; tents include a 5-plug power strip and a light, two sleeping bags, four air pillows and two blankets. Each site is conveniently located less than 5 minutes from bathroom and shower facilities. Also nearby are snack bars, arts and craft centers for the kids, boat rides, horseback rides, wildlife, and a nature trail of fascinating sculptures. Swimmers can drift beneath 30-foot waterfalls in the luxurious, emerald waters of the Jade Pool, also nearby.

  

After exploring the surroundings and settling in to the campsite, it’ll be BBQ dinner time! For 80,000 won, campers receive an ice chest packed with food  for four people, including onions, mushrooms, peppers, lettuce leaves, sauces and heaps of meat, including four servings of pork belly, three servings of pork shoulder (목살), two servings of beef tenderloin and five styles of sausage. There may be some seasonal variations, such as the addition of shrimp or other vegetables.  Either way, hungry campers will certainly be satisfied!

As nighttime falls upon the hillside tent village, it’s time to enjoy the “ForRest Garden of Lights”! All along the beautiful nature trails are sculptures and plants decorated in colorful lights. This season’s theme is “Red Riding Hood and Flowers.”

At the Spa Valley waterpark, the fun can begin as early as 9am.  Like at Elybaden, visitors first stop at the ticket desk for their wristbands and locker number, then head up to the 3^rd floor for their convenient ‘One-Key’ which is a locker key and credit card (tied to your own credit card) all in one.

Experience Spa Valley’s seven exciting slides including the Boomerang, Superbowl, and the all-time favorite thriller, the Speed Slide.  Impress onlookers at the high-diving tank, or challenge others to a game of water polo.  Those seeking serenity can float along the Amazon lazy river or relax in the hot tubs. Kids can enjoy the watery playgrounds while parents lounge in their private, rentable tanning beds or tiki huts.

Another major attraction lies along Spa Valley’s central beach—the Gold Coast wave pool.  Face off against 1.5-meter waves in this treacherous pool of thrills! Life vests and hats are required in the wave pool.

After a day of waterpark excitement it may be time to head indoors and enjoy the spa facilities.  This massive, modern complex spans four floors of therapeutic relaxation.  The 2^nd floor offers a variety of massage pools, Jacuzzis and Jjimjilbangs. The 4^th floor offers more herbal spas and children’s slides, as well as an outdoor tanning and jacuzzi area that overlooks Spa Valley’s performance stage below.  In the lobby of the 1^st floor visitors can cleanse their feet with Dr. Fish or have dinner in Spa Valley’s cafeteria—a satisfying finish to a full weekend of excitement and relaxation!

Spa Valley is located on the southern outskirts of Daegu city.  Take one of the following buses to the ‘Spa Valley’ stop: Rapid 2, 405, 449, 452, 704, Gachang1 and Gachang2. If taking a taxi, tell the driver “suh-pa-bael-li ga-ju-se-yo”, meaning “Please go to Spa Valley.”(Address: 891, Gachang-ro, Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, Korea)

Shopping In The Soul Of Daegu

The Heart Of Traditional Daegu Culture

By Matthew Caracciolo

There are two Koreas. There’s the old Korea, there’s the new Korea, and then there’s Seomun Market. Neither touristy nor inaccessible, Seomun Market is where to find the Korea of now, a place not particularly concerned about looking behind or ahead. Old, young, and families mix in a country where generations can seem so different from each other. It’s huge, it’s busy, and it’s everything it should be. This is the heart and soul of Daegu as it always has been, and likely always will be.

Seomun Market, together with the nearby Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Market, long ago solidified Daegu’s status as an important market town and crossroads. Its’ roots began in the late Joseon Dynasty period, during the last years of which the market became one of the three largest in Korea. The name ‘Seomun’, or ‘west gate’, refers to its location just outside the western gate of Daegu’s fortress walls, demolished in 1907. Today, the area sits just west of downtown Daegu in the center of a sprawling metropolis.

The market really starts to buzz after lunch time on the weekends, when well-rested families make their way to the market in search of, well, anything. The over 4000 stalls are divided across six ‘districts’ that roughly focus on different products, but the market is especially known as a place to browse for textiles and clothing. District 2 is particularly popular with the younger crowd, housing the most fashionable stalls. One can find almost anything in the market, however, including plenty of seafood, produce, bags, shoes, toys, and crafts. Prices are often cheaper than more conventional stores, and some stall owners may be willing to haggle prices. Exploring inside the buildings as well as outside is essential in grasping the enormity and variety of the place. It’s a bustling, crowded, and strictly Korean labyrinth.

The massive center is also a popular place to grab some food. Visitors looking to channel their inner ‘Andrew Zimmern’ and try some exotic foods should especially plan on eating lunch in the market. Beondegi, or silkworm larvae, are something of a split decision among Koreans; some swear by its’ soft tastiness and others can’t stand the stuff. Try a small cup for yourself. Through some of the main ‘thoroughfares’ between buildings are busy food stalls selling intestines, among other things.

Vendor making Hoddeok

If you’re not planning on being adventurous with your food, much more accessible options are plentifully available. On everyone’s ‘to try’ list ought to be hoddeok, a steaming, doughy pancake stuffed with brown sugar and sunflower seeds. Usually priced around 1000 won, this delicious treat is especially popular here in the market.  Kalguksoo, a simple but hearty noodle soup, is widely available within the market and is also a popular dish, especially in the cold winter months. Underground in District 2 is a busy place to grab food, with several small restaurants serving a variety of typical and delicious Korean meals and snacks. Two of the most popular choices are ddeokboki at Monani Ddeokboki and the unique combination of jajangmyeon and samgyeopsal, typically their own dishes.

 

Part of the allure of a trip to Seomun Market is getting hopelessly turned around, wanting to find that one stall you saw 10 minutes ago but, for all intents and purposes, packed up shop, moved to a different building, and is now selling pliers instead of pillows. If you want to visit with some semblance of direction, start at the entrance with the large green and pink archway that says ‘Seomun Market.’ From here, you can find the hoddeok by taking the first right. Kalguksoo vendors can be found outside the main gate, as well as between Districts 1 and 4. A tourist information center sits in front of a large parking garage just inside the archway entrance.

Seomun Market is open from 8am-8pm, although in reality most stalls start packing up around 6 or 7pm. The best time to come is in the mornings before the crowds arrive. The market is closed every 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month. Take the subway to the Seomun Market stop and head out exit 1 or 5. Keep walking north along the monorail for a couple blocks and the archway entrance will be visible on the left within a few minutes. If taking a taxi, tell the driver “seo-mun-shi-jang ga-ju-se-yo”, meaning “Please go to Seomun Market.” (Address: 45, Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea).

 

Whether the plan includes some major shopping, food sampling, or just people watching, a visit to Seomun Market is an important and immersive stop on any visit to Daegu.

From Groceries to Gadgets

The Neighborhood of Samsung’s Birth

By Matthew Caracciolo

Mention the name ‘Samsung’ and you most likely think of the latest in smartphone technology or possibly any of the conglomerate’s subsidiaries that sell anything from insurance to ships. What many don’t know is the company’s quaint beginnings as a neighborhood grocery store and trading post.  The original building is gone, demolished in 1997 because of unsafe conditions, but visitors to Daegu can still visit the small memorial on the site where it all began.

Lee Byung-chull started Samsung Trading Company in 1938 in a stately wooden structure proud against the neighboring stalls of Seomun market. 40 employees worked the front office, made noodles, and procured goods for export. Located near the Seoul-Busan rail line, Samsung Trading Company was able to expand rapidly into new ventures and moved to Seoul after seven years of booming business in Daegu’s Ingyo-dong district. The rest, as they say, is history.

Today, the original site is an inspiration to the entrepreneur in all of us. The location is easy to find: just steps from the Dalseong Park bus stop and a new monorail station. An outdoor memorial includes a small replica of the building, as well as an impression of the facade carved into a large wall. 

A series of informative plaques chronicles the transformative early years of the company while headquartered at the humble location. It’s a good place to gain perspective on the company’s, and the country’s, story of meteoric rise to riches.

Samsung’s legacy in Daegu continues as the company is partnering with the city to construct the Daegu Samsung Creative Economy Cluster. Scheduled to be complete in late 2016, the cluster will serve as an incubator for small businesses in the area as well as a larger memorial for the company and its’ founder.  In addition, a statue of Lee Byung-chull was erected in front of the Daegu Opera House in 2010, which has already inspired a tradition of touching the statue for financial success.

In stark contrast to the memorial’s implications of wealth and power are the endless rows of tool shops in the immediate area to the east called Bukseongno. Within these drab corridors, however, are some absolute gems worth exploring the area for. In an old tobacco factory sits the Daegu Art Factory, a modern arts space with exhibition halls, touring art shows, and more. A kids’ space features hands-on activities and a floor piano. Admission is free for the permanent installations.

Skip the coffee shop in the museum and head a couple blocks toward Daegu Station to find the Samduk Sanghoe café. Nestled in the midst of a tool alley, this former Japanese colonial house was renovated and turned into a coffee shop. The wood framework and white walls are unmistakably Japanese, making the café relatively easy to spot. On the second floor are traditional Japanese seating arrangements, or you can sit at a typical café table if you wish. The extensive drink menu also includes tea and smoothies.

Not far from the café is the Bukseongno Tools Museum (Address: 24, Taepyeong-ro 28-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea). Visitors can step into the past and observe the antiquated tools, donated by long-time tool owners of the area. It was said that, if need be, the tool owners of the neighborhood could build a tank; such was the depth of materials and tools in Bukseongno. Luckily, this need was never exploited by the Japanese. To represent this idea, an old artillery piece is on display inside the museum.

Further down the alley, Daegu Station comes more fully into view and a series of unique murals are painted around a parking lot. This is the sign that you are coming close to Janggeo Salon. Part bike repair shop, part arts gallery, part coffee shop, this eclectic, creative space is a perfect place to learn about fixing bicycles or to catch a small, intimate concert.

Hopefully, you’ve timed your tour of the Bukseongno area so that you’ve finished by nighttime and worked up an appetite. Quickly thrown together before dinner are a handful of informal bulgogi establishments throughout the tool shops. Simple and inexpensive, these places serve some of the best bulgogi and udong in the city. Jun Ho House ( Address: 8, Dalseong-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea 8) is especially popular for its atmosphere. You likely will have passed the site on your way to Daegu Art Factory, at the time probably a very unexciting parking lot. Look for the red tents once dinnertime rolls around.

To get to Samsung Sanghoe, take the 414-1, 300, 427, 808, 836, or 939 bus to the Dalseong Park bus stop. If taking a taxi, tell the driver “sam-seong-sang-hoe ga-ju-se-yo”, meaning “Please go to Samsung Sanghoe.” The address is 59-3, Ingyo-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea.

Far removed from the glitz and glamour of Samsung’s current headquarters in Seoul, the Bukseongno area and Samsung memorial site offer rewarding artistic, culinary, and historic surprises for those keen to do a little wandering.

Discover Downtown

Chic, Classy And Refined!

BEST RESTAURANTS

GaeJeong: Get acquainted with traditional Korean fare at GaeJeong. Located on the east side of downtown, this restaurant has been a favorite of locals and foreigners alike since 1978. It’s a great place for lunch for individuals or groups. The menu is easy to navigate with pictures of each entrée. Try the sizzling hot stone bibimbap or tangy cold noodles.

Address: 52, Dongseong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ;10:00-22:00

YooGa Ne Dakgalbi: Home of the Chicken and Beer Festival, Daegu has a reputation for its delicious spin on chicken. Get a taste of the local specialty at YooGa Ne Dakgalbi. Located on the west side of downtown, a short walk from Jungangno Station Exit 2, the restaurant is famous for its spicy stir fried chicken. The staff stir-fries chicken and vegetables in a huge pan on the table, stirring in rice and a spicy sauce. It’s a unique and delicious dining experience.

Address: 412, Dongseong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ; 11:00-23:00

Pan Asia

Pan Asia: Korea has become a mixing pot of Asian flavors with immigrants from South East Asia bringing their flavors from home. Fusion restaurants have become increasingly popular. To experience the fresh flavors of South East Asia, check out Pan Asia. Crowd-pleasing dishes include the Singapore chili crab and pat thai. Pan Asia is located on Expat Street on the east side of downtown.

Address: 58-18, Dongseong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours; 12:00-23:00 / Break time ; 15:00-17:00 (Closed once a month on Tuesday)

Caliente: From Spanish churros to Turkish kebabs to Indian curries, multicultural flavors have found a welcome home in downtown Daegu. Caliente Mexican restaurant offers Tex-Mex favorites such as margaritas, nachos and burritos. Late hours, a full bar, dart boards and pool tables make it a popular hangout for young people. Caliente is located on the east side of downtown, across the street from Samdeok Fire Station.

Address: 5, Gongpyeong-ro 8-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ; 16:00-4:00

Little Italia: Daegu has a passion for Italian cuisine. Pizza and pasta eateries can be found on nearly every block, but the best one by far is Little Italia. The chef studied culinary art in Italy and serves up a delicious taste of Italian cuisine at this charming little restaurant. Enjoy a glass of wine and try the ravioli, T-bone steak or prosciutto rucola pizza. Little Italia is located in central downtown, just south of the main stage.

Address: 49-18, Dongseong-ro 2-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ; 12:00-23:30

2046 Pan Steak: Meat lovers will rejoice at 2046 Pan Steak, a French-style steak house located on the east side of downtown Daegu. Deliciously seared steaks are served in a cast iron skillet alongside leafy greens and mushrooms cooked with herb-infused butter. Entrées come with dessert – brownies in their own miniature cast iron skillet. The delicious food, awesome service and reasonable prices make 2046 Pan Steak a great choice for lunch or dinner.

Address: 58-5, Dongseong-ro 3-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ; 11:30-23:00 Monday-Thursday, Sunday /11:00-1:00 Friday and Saturday

BEST SHOPPING

Hidden gems

Hot Tracks: A dizzying selection of notebooks, pencil cases and stickers make Hot Tracks a wonderland for school children, but calling it a stationary store doesn’t do it justice. This underground shopping center is a fun place for all ages to shop.

Hot Tracks is the perfect place for shopping for souvenirs with multiple shops selling everything from designer sunglasses to electronics to traditional Korean gifts. There is even a gift wrapping shop. Hot Tracks is accessible from Kyobo bookstore and the Jungangno Station underground shopping mall.

Address: 586, Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hour ; 10:00-22:00

Underground shopping malls: Downtown Daegu is home to two huge underground shopping malls conveniently located at Banwoldang Station (Line 1 and 2) and JungangnoStation(Line 1). These malls are a great place to find incredible deals on clothes, shoes and handbags. There are also a variety of shops selling Korean cosmetics, fun socks and unique phone cases.

Korean Cosmetics

Korean beauty products are among the most demanded items by international tourists, and the biggest beauty brands are all available in Daegu including Innisfree, The Face Shop and Skin Food. High quality, often local, ingredients include green tea, Jeju Island volcanic clay, honey and ginseng.

Beauty bloggers rave about lightweight Korean BB creams for their coverage and multitasking abilities. Try Signature Real Complete BB Cream(23,800 won) from Missha. Another hot item is Black Sugar Mask (7,700 won) from Skin Food. This product is always selling out. Full of vitamins and minerals, this scrub removes leaves skin feeling brand new.

Downtown Department Stores

Downtown Daegu is home to several department stores carrying luxury brand name goods including jewelry, hand bags and the latest fashions.

Daegu Department Store is centrally located adjacent to the main stage downtown. The 11-story department store contains a vast collection of food, sundries, electronics and more. It (a.k.aDebec) also has cultural spaces such as event halls and exhibitions as well as restaurants and coffee shops.

Address: 31-1, Dongseongno 3-ga, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hour ;Monday-Thursday : 10:30-20:00 / Friday and weekend : 10:30-20:30

(Closed once a month on Monday)

Hyundai Department Store, located on the west side of downtown and accessible from Banwoldang Station (Line 1 and 2), is the largest department store in Gyeongsangbuk-do province. This luxurious shopping destination encompasses a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options including a movie theater, concert hall, gallery and outside garden. Its impressive food court is not to be missed. Grab fresh sushi off a moving conveyor belt or indulge in a decadent treat from Godiva’s chocolate café.

Address: 2077, Dalgubeol-daero, Jung-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ;10:30-20:00

                                      

Daegu Lotte Department Store is connected to Daegu Station on the north side of downtown. With two lower levels and standing 10-stories high, this department store offers 700 domestic and imported brands, nine cinema screens and various culture center courses, events and attractions.

Address: 161, Dongbuk-ro, Buk-gu, Daegu, Korea

Hours ; 10:30-20:00 Monday-Thursday / 10:30-20:30 Friday and weekend(Closed once a month on Monday)

BEST SOUVENIRS

Forget refrigerator magnets and key chains! Take home a piece of local character with these unique Daegu souvenirs.

1. Seaweed snack a.k.a. “gim”: Thin sheets of seaweed brushed with sesame oil make a tasty and healthy snack on its own or wrapped around a sushi roll. This snack can be found everywhere from department stores to convenient stores.

2. Fun socks: Printed with funny sayings and famous characters, these socks are definitely a conversation starter and, at only 1,000 won a pair, they make an affordable souvenir.

3. Mask pack: Enjoy the Korean spa experience in the comfort of your own home. These moisturizing packs run from 1,000-5,000 won and contain soothing ingredients like cucumber, green tea and honey.

4. Phone case: Protect your smart phone with a stylish case. From sensible to outrageous, these unique phone cases come in a variety of styles.

5. Stationary:Cute and colorful notebooks, calendars and greeting cards make wonderful gifts with their eye-catching designs and affordable prices.