Daegu Travel Guide 2026: Treasure Hunting in BTS V's Hometown, Must-Visit Shopping and Food List

Are you looking to escape the crowds of Seoul while still indulging in the delights of shopping and cuisine? In 2026, consider turning your attention to Daegu, South Korea! This city is not only the hometown of BTS member V, but it also boasts a plethora of vibrant shopping districts and authentic local delicacies. A direct flight from Taiwan or Hong Kong to Daegu takes just about two and a half hours, making it an ideal destination for a quick weekend getaway. Today, Kinnso will guide you through this lively and charming city, presenting you with the most practical must-visit spots and shopping tips!

If you're visiting Daegu for the first time and unsure where to start your shopping spree, head straight to the East City Road Shopping District. Known as the "Myeongdong of Daegu," this area is not only expansive but also meticulously organized. From large department stores and international fast-fashion chains to unique local designer boutiques, it offers an extensive range of options. In fact, the pace here is much slower than in Seoul, allowing you to leisurely stroll through the alleys with an iced Americano in hand, taking your time to discover your favorite finds.

As you stroll down the fashion street on Dongcheng Road, you'll notice that the prices here are generally a bit more affordable compared to Seoul. A quality autumn knit sweater typically costs around 20,000 to 30,000 Korean won, which translates to roughly over 100 Hong Kong dollars or 500 to 600 New Taiwan dollars. It's hard to resist filling your shopping basket! In addition to clothing, this area is also a paradise for beauty enthusiasts. Popular Korean beauty stores like Olive Young have large branches here, stocked with a wide range of products, so you won't have to worry about popular shades running out.

If you're feeling tired from shopping, the area around Dongcheng Road is home to numerous exquisite dessert cafes. Just step into one of the charming second-floor shops, order a seasonal fruit French toast paired with hot tea, and you'll instantly feel revitalized. Local businesses have a strong sense of space design; many stores not only offer delightful products, but their exteriors and window displays are also meticulously crafted. Strolling through this area feels like flipping through the pages of a physical fashion magazine.

This location is perfect for showcasing sharp streetwear or minimalist Korean-style blazers in your photos. You can take advantage of the stylish storefronts within the shopping district as your backdrop, using the reflections in the glass to create rich layers in your shots. When photographing, try to capture candid moments, such as walking casually or gazing naturally while holding a coffee cup, to evoke an effortless sense of style. Additionally, be mindful that photography may be prohibited inside some boutiques, so it's a good idea to politely ask the staff beforehand to avoid any awkward situations.

When mentioning Daegu, ARMYs around the world undoubtedly associate it with the hometown of BTS members V (Kim Taehyung) and SUGA! If you are visiting this city because of V, then Daeseong Elementary School should be your first stop. Not only is this the school V attended, but the exterior walls boast an impressive mural that stretches several meters long, featuring various iconic looks and album elements of V throughout the years. Gazing at the artwork on the wall truly evokes a wonderful sense of connection to his growth journey.

In addition to the school murals, the Ximen Market is also a fantastic place to experience the local vibe, and it is the very location that V once recommended for a taste of home. Ximen Market is the oldest and largest traditional market in Daegu, and by night, it transforms into a lively night market. Here, you can find a variety of Daegu's signature snacks, such as flat dumplings, knife-cut noodles, and spicy stir-fried rice cakes. Watching the vendors skillfully stir-fry on the iron griddle, with the enticing aromas wafting through the air, is sure to make your mouth water.

One of the most fascinating aspects of exploring traditional markets is the opportunity to experience authentic Korean daily life. The snacks here are very affordable; a steaming bowl of knife-cut noodles costs around 5,000 to 6,000 won (approximately over 30 Hong Kong dollars or more than 100 Taiwan dollars). It’s recommended to come with friends so that you can share dishes, allowing for more space to taste a variety of delicious foods. The local authorities are quite strict, so please make sure to dispose of your trash in the designated recycling bins. Let’s all be considerate travelers together!

When shooting at the mural wall, it's recommended to wear items that feature purple elements to resonate with BTS's support color. The resulting images will hold significant sentimental value. If you manage Reels, consider using a first-person perspective: slowly walk towards the mural from a distance, ultimately focusing the camera on V's most iconic smile. Pair this with a sentimental BTS background track, and it will undoubtedly resonate with fans. However, be mindful of safety, as vehicles occasionally pass by the school area; don't venture into the middle of the road just for the perfect shot.

If you visit Daegu and don’t try the grilled sausages, it’s as if you’ve never been to Daegu at all! When it comes to the best late-night snacks in the city, locals will undoubtedly recommend Anjilong Sausage Street. This bustling street is lined with dozens of sausage shops, and as evening falls, the neon lights of each establishment illuminate the area. The air becomes filled with the tantalizing aromas of grilled meat and sizzling fat, creating an incredible atmosphere brimming with the essence of street food.

The grilled sausages here are primarily categorized into small and large varieties. After undergoing a thorough cleaning and marination process by the shop, they are free from any fishy taste and instead exude a unique aroma of garlic and sauce. When the sausages sizzle on the charcoal grill and achieve a golden-brown, slightly charred exterior, that’s the perfect moment to indulge. Cut into small pieces, they can be dipped in the local special sauce and wrapped in lettuce for a delightful bite. The combination of a crispy exterior and tender interior, along with the rich aroma of fat, paired with a refreshing glass of Korean beer, will undoubtedly leave you craving for more.

The consumption model here typically operates on a per serving or per bowl basis, with prices being quite transparent and affordable. A bowl of grilled sausages for two people is approximately 20,000 Korean won (about 120 Hong Kong dollars or nearly 500 New Taiwan dollars), offering excellent value for money. Many of the shopkeepers may only speak a little bit of simple English, but they provide enthusiastic table-side service, ensuring that your sausages are grilled to perfection. There's no need to worry about ordering; many establishments now offer multilingual menus with pictures, making it easy to place your order with just a few taps.

The evening atmosphere of the sausage street exudes an unparalleled cyberpunk vibe. You can take advantage of the neon lights from the shop signs outside to create stunning lighting, resulting in nighttime portraits that evoke a vintage film aesthetic. When capturing the grilling scenes, consider zooming in to capture the moment when fat drips onto the charcoal, releasing a puff of white smoke. If you have a microphone, don't forget to record the sizzling sound of the barbecue; using it as an introduction at the beginning of your video will undoubtedly grab the audience's attention and whet their appetite.

After satisfying your hunger and thirst, why not take a leisurely stroll through Daegu's Modern Cultural Alley? This area boasts the most well-preserved modern historical buildings in Daegu. As you walk along the red-bricked streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by charming Western-style architecture intermingled with traditional Korean hanoks, creating a delightful illusion of time travel. Among the most notable landmarks is Gyesan Cathedral, a Gothic red-brick church with over a century of history. It serves not only as a center of faith for the local community but also as a must-visit spot for photography enthusiasts.

The twin spires of Guisan Cathedral stand majestically against the backdrop of a blue sky and white clouds, creating a strikingly beautiful sight. Inside the building, the colorful stained glass windows shimmer brilliantly under the sunlight. After your visit to the cathedral, you can take a leisurely stroll up the alley, where you will encounter numerous chic cafes housed in century-old Hanok buildings. These cafes have preserved the original wooden beams and courtyard structures, while incorporating a modern minimalist decor inside, creating a delightful yet harmonious contrast.

Finding a charming Korean-style café to settle into, taking off my shoes, and sitting on the warm floor, while ordering a cup of hand-brewed coffee unique to Daegu, is truly one of the most soothing moments of my travels. In fact, traveling doesn't always have to be packed with activities; sometimes, spending an afternoon like this to unwind allows you to truly experience the authentic soul of the city.

When shooting in the modern cultural alley, it is recommended to choose the time between 3 PM and 5 PM, when the angled light beautifully highlights the textures of the red brick buildings. For attire, consider opting for earth tones or long skirts with a hint of vintage floral elements, which will look elegant amidst the historically rich architecture. If you are photographing inside the chapel, remember to maintain silence and turn off your camera's flash. This is not only basic etiquette, but the sacred atmosphere captured with natural light is also much more enchanting.

Daegu is a city brimming with diverse characteristics. It boasts a fashionable shopping district that rivals Seoul, warm attractions that draw in fans, mouthwatering street food that will leave you craving more, and a serene elegance rooted in its rich history. If you haven't made plans for the holidays in 2026 yet, why not book a ticket and experience the unique charm of Daegu for yourself? We are confident that you will return home with a treasure trove of wonderful memories and countless photos!

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