Daegu대구

The questions people ask first about Daegu, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.

• Cash or card?Cards work almost everywhere, including taxis, convenience stores and many market stalls; carry ₩30,000–50,000 (≈ US$25–40) in cash for street food…South Korea-wide
• SIM or eSIMSK Telecom, KT and LG U+ sell tourist SIMs and eSIMs at airport arrivals; a passport is required, and data-only plans are cheapest.South Korea-wide
• Tap waterOfficially safe from the tap; most people drink filtered water, and restaurants serve it free.South Korea-wide
• TippingRestaurants and cafés: No tip; a service charge appears only in top hotels.South Korea-wide
• Plugs & powerSockets C/F. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 220 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.South Korea-wide
• SafetyVery safe by any standard: violent crime against visitors is rare and the city is calm at night.

Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.

• CoffeeCoffee at a downtown café₩4,000–6,500 (≈ US$3–5)
• Street or quick mealBowl of noodles or gukbap₩8,000–13,000 (≈ US$6–10)
• Beerdraught in a bar / can at a convenience store₩5,000–8,000 (≈ US$4–6)₩2,500–4,000 (≈ US$2–3)
• Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)5 km (3.1 mi) taxi ride3.1 mi (5 km) taxi rideBase fare ₩3,300; meter adds ₩100 per 134 m.₩6,000–9,000 (≈ US$5–7)
• Metro or bus rideMetro single ride₩1,250 (≈ under US$1) (check)
• SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week₩15,000–30,000 (≈ US$11–25)
• Budget bedHostel or guesthouse bed, a night, per person₩25,000 (≈ US$18)
• Mid-range bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room₩110,000 (≈ US$80)
• High-end bedBusiness-hotel double room, a night, per room₩220,000 (≈ US$160)

A day, not counting the bed: Budget ₩60,000 (≈ US$45) · Mid ₩110,000 (≈ US$80) · High ₩200,000 (≈ US$150)

Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →

What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.

Airports

TAE Daegu International Airport (East of the centre, shared with a military base; domestic flights to Seoul/Incheon and Jeju, some international routes to China and Japan. Bus 401 or taxi to downtown.)

High / low, both scales · rd = rain days

Budget

₩60,000–95,000 (≈ US$45–70) excl. bed

Mid

₩95,000–160,000 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed

High

₩160,000 (≈ US$120)+ excl. bed

• Summer heat is the real hazard: the basin traps humid air and August highs pass 31 °C (88 °F). Carry water, plan indoor stops midday.Summer heat is the real hazard: the basin traps humid air and August highs pass 88 °F (31 °C). Carry water, plan indoor stops midday.
• Late July–August is the monsoon: July and August each average over 220 mm of rain.
• Taxis: give a landmark, not an address — Daegu drivers navigate by buildings, not street numbers.
• Palgongsan and Gatbawi are a half-day each with a hike; the last buses back to town fill up on weekends.
• Subway ticket machines marked for complimentary tickets are for Korean ID holders only — buy a single-ride token or a T-money card.