food trip in korea

Cheongna Hill served as a residential area for Christian missionaries in the early 20th Century. Its name, Cheongna, comes from the green (cheong) vines (na) planted by the missionaries. Indeed, missionary houses like Switzer’s House and Blair’s House remain on the hill. The missionaries themselves are laid to rest around their houses with their families.

Switzer’s House

These missionary houses built in the 1910s provide examples of early Western-style architecture in Daegu. For instance, Switzer’s House integrates giwa (Korean tile roof) atop a bungalow-style red brick house in the American style as an example of harmony between Korea and the West. It is currently used as a museum dedicated to the missionaries in Daegu. The first floor houses Bibles, artifacts, and photographs, while the second floor houses Biblical items purchased in Israel.

90 Stairs

On March 1, 1919, a peaceful march for Korea’s independence was held, then under Japanese occupation. The march began in Seoul and spread throughout the peninsula like wildfire. Daegu served as the regional center of the March 1 Independence Movement in the Gyeongsangbuk-do region. Activists participating in the march had passed through these stairs, leaving an indelible mark. Take part in the AR video experience in the middle of the stairs to feel their resolute stand against tyranny.

Descending from the 90 Stairs lies the Gyesan Cathedral, the seat of the Archdiocese of Daegu. Built in the 1900s as the third Catholic church in Korea after Seoul and Pyeongyang, Gyesan Cathedral is the first Western-style building in Daegu.

Originally, it began as a hanok (traditional Korean house) building and only assumed its present form after multiple expansions. Gyesan Cathedral was designed by Father Poisnel, a French priest who designed the Myeongdong Catholic Cathedral in Seoul and Jeonju’s Jeondong catholic cathedral, in a Romanesque style with Gothic elements.

After experiencing Daegu’s street food scene and modern history, go to the Apsan Café Street to experience the Korean café culture. Cafés are an inseparable part of gourmand trips in Korea. After all, cafés are places where people not only drink coffee but also spend time with their loved ones and enjoy conversations.

Both café franchises and small cafés remain popular in Korea, and places, where cafés are grouped, are sometimes known as "Café Street," such as the Apsan Café Street in Daegu. In particular, Apsan Café Street’s charms are not only limited to coffee but also to white cherry blossoms during spring, verdant green during summer, golden ginkgo trees during fall, and Christmas lights during winter.

The café a.nook Apsan can be reached for about 10 min on foot from the entrance to Apsan Café Street toward Apsan Mountain. The café is famous for its view, especially during spring, so terrace seats with a great view of the cherry blossoms are always sought after. a.nook Apsan describes itself as a place that strives to build a healthy dining culture beyond simply providing good space. It uses cupping or regular coffee tastings to maintain the quality of its coffee, which is served with freshly- prepared baked goods made entirely in-house.

a.nook’s café latte

Bagels rose to prominence among the younger generations in Korea with the introduction of famous bagel shops in TV shows in 2022. In particular, the cream cheese bagel sandwich with scallions became a smash hit thanks to its unique combination. Likewise, a.nook Apsan offers various bagel sandwich menus. For something sweet,

Bagel and coffee in a.nook Apsan

"Ang Butter Bagel" brings together sweet red bean paste with butter, while the "Spring Bagel" reflects the latest trends in 2023 with cream cheese and scallion filling.

Once the sun begins to set, it is time to head to the Apsan Sunset Observatory to catch the sunset in Daegu’s most popular sunset spot. Located about 15 min by foot from a.nook Apsan, Apsan Sunset Observatory offers an expansive view of the Daegu City center and the sunset. It is situated in Apsan Ppallaeteo Park, a place where people used to do their laundry in the past. The observatory’s shape is themed after laundry being wrung out to embody the place’s history and symbolism.

Sunset from the Apsan Sunset Observatory

Follow the winding wooden decked roads to find the expansive view of Apsan Mountain at the back and the view of Daegu’s city center at the front. Then, go down from the observatory to find the media facade at Apsan Ppallaeteo Park. This 5 min and 40 s-long video is repeated from 19:00 to 22:30 every day.

The last stop of this Daegu trip is Anjirang Gopchang Alley, located about 18 min on foot from the Apsan Sunset Observatory. Most people would answer "grilled tripe" if asked about the food that represents Daegu. Indeed, the dish originated in Daegu in the 70s and became popular across Korea. Its presence in Daegu’s local cuisine has resulted in grilled tripe being included as one of the 10 Tastes of Daegu.

Signature menus in Anjirang Gopchang Alley, Grilled Tripe and Grilled Beef / Pork Small Intestines

One can enjoy both grilled tripe and small intestines in Anjirang Gopchang Alley. Grilled tripe and small intestines, sourced from both beef and pork, are something of an acquired taste, but their sizable popularity is evident in the sheer size and popularity of the Anjirang Gopchang Alley. Grilled tripe is served with a dipping sauce made with soybean paste, a fermented condiment made from soybeans, with garlic and scallions. Dip the grilled tripe pieces into the sauce and enjoy the harmony between the fragrance of the sauce and the savory grilled tripe.

A harmony of grilled tripe and sauce

Grilled tripe is often eaten as a complement to alcohol late at night. Take a page out of the local playbook and order a bottle of soju to go with chewy and savory grilled tripe. They are a perfect end to your trip to Daegu.