Moving to Daegu

Hi!
My friend and I are moving to Daegu to teach English for the year. We had applied to Busan but were placed in Daegu. I haven't met anyone who taught there or who has lived there, so I Was hoping to get some feedback on what the city is like - things to do, nightlife, sights, traveling from there, etc. - and any advice anyone has for us before we depart in August.
Thanks so much!
Alexandra and Sheila

I stayed in Daegu for 2 years a few years ago (for something other than teaching English), and my overall impression is that it's far smaller - not just its geographical size, but in terms of overall activity as well - compared to Seoul. The 'downtown' pretty much comes down to both sides of Daegu Station-Jongangno-Banwoldang corridor, say, an area of 6~8 sq. kilometers, although you can find large malls and other decent spots scattered all over the city. Suseong-gu (district) is a relatively 'posh' neighbourhood, yet unlike the central Daegu, it's rather hard for me to pin down a single focal point in this area.
Nevertheless, such an impression might not be what you'll get, depending on where you're coming from. I know someone from a very small town in Indiana, and she was simply overwhelmed (sic) when she first got there.
As for intercity transportation, Daegu serves as a hub in the region, not to mention being right on the Seoul-Busan axis. It's 1.5 hours away from Busan by regular train, and 1 hour 40 min. away from Seoul by KTX bullet train. (4 hours by regular train or express bus)
Oh, and it's one of the hottest cities in South Korea during the summer.
Good luck.

Yes,Daegu is one of most hot ,humid city in Korea. It is a city but not that big I think.
You can travel to Busan by train or bus. It is possible for one day trip or can stay weekends. Also Gyoungju which is a historical old capital is near Daegu,. Take a bus or train to Gyoungju.

I have no first hand experience of living there, but I can say for sure that it's well located in terms of transport links.

However as said above, according to the weather reports it's very hot in summer. It's been hot and uncomfortable enough in my Korean city over the last few weeks, with highs around 28-30C .... in Daegu it's been hitting 34-35C or even higher. It can also be bitingly cold in winter. Then again it all depends on personal tolerance levels and what you're used to!

On the other hand, friends of friends live there and apparently have a great time, and because of its relatively large size there is sure to be a decent expat social scene.

For live music check out these guys http://supercolorsuper.com/ They've been getting some really good bands over to Korea lately and most bands play Seoul/Busan/Daegu.

As mentioned above, it's close to Busan and Gyeongju. Down on the south coast is the Hallyeo maritime national park - lots and lots of islands you can get out to. Tongyeong is a good point to take ferries out to them.

Don't know too much about Deagu itself really, had a night there a few years ago and went to this great buffet place with a Filippino band - tried to find the name to share with you but seems it's closed down now. Shame.

Eat at the Holy Grill to feel like you're at home. They have really good western food :)

I lived there for a year and a bit, had a GREAT time. Sure, it's hot, but bareable. Easy to get to Seoul, Busan etc. from Daegu station. Two line subway makes it super easy to get anywhere. Good nightlife and foreigner scene, it's smaller so easy to get a good group of friends going. The buffet place is called Ariana's and the band plays every night!
As for sights..there's the herbal market and Apsan mountain is a good time. Not really a tourist destination but I enjoyed my time there. Was never bored!

Hi!

Seems like I'm in exactly the same boat as you guys. Also applied to teach in Busan and got placed in Daegu instead and will also be departing in August.

I've been reading up on Daegu as much as possible and have also been looking for stuff to do in and around the area. Unfortunately haven't been able to find much online except these websites: wiki.galbijim.com/Daegu_Nightlife, www.asiarooms.com/en/travel-guide/south-korea/daegu/things-to-do-in-daegu. Alternatively you can read up on Daegu on wikipedia/wikitravel.

Hope this helps.

Hi,

I also applied to teach in Busan but got placed in Daegu.
I was wondering if any of you can tell me how your experience is there so far?
I'm coming from Ontario, Canada and will be arriving in Daegu in March.

Thanks!

Vincent

I can't answer any of the questions posed in this thread, but I would like to share that I will be in Daegu in February of this year. I would love any guidance you all could provide in terms of meeting people and finding some other English speakers around the city.

-TL