The Best Places To Enjoy The Fall Foliage In Daegu

Are you a fan of fall? A lot of people, myself include, seem to favor this season as it's full of nostalgia.

If you like autumn, then you have to check out Daegu's vibrant fall foliage.

Today I'm going to take you on a virtual tour of the best places in Daegu to visit in the fall.

Donghwasa
동화사

Address: 대구 동구 동화사1길 1
1 Donghwasa 1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu

Hours: 10:00-18:00

Admission:
Adults 2,500 won / Youth 1,500 / Children 1,000 won
Parking: 2,500

Our first destination is Donghwasa, one of the Buddhist temples most representative of Daegu.

Because of the gorgeous leaves that can be seen here, many people visit a lot in the autumn.

From the entrance to Donghwa Temple you can feel the atmosphere of autumn.

The forest features many colors that contrast with the clear blue sky in a picture perfect way.

Located by Palgongsan Mountain, with a reservoir that reflects the fall colors, it's a sight that can't be replicated!

I couldn't help but stop to take photos to try to preserve some of the natural beauty to look back on.

As I entered the temple, I could feel the warm and calm atmosphere that you can only find somewhere like this, a peaceful mountain temple.

The building colors and style go very well with the leaves, don't you think?

In addition, there was a wish tree where you can write down wishes and hang them.

I wrote a wish for health and happiness and hung it on the tree, but what would you wish for?

Aside from the leaves, autumn is also the season for chrysanthemums, so there were pots of the flowers placed around the temple like on these stairs.

If you're looking for a serene setting to take a walk and enjoy autumn leaves, Donghwasa in Daegu would be the perfect match for you.

Otgol Village
옻골마을

Address: 대구광역시 동구 해안동 옻골로
Otgol-ro, Haean-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu

Hours: 00:00-24:00
It's a residential neighborhood, so even though there are technically no closing hours, please be considerate of residents and don't visit too early or late

Admission: Free

Next up is Otgal Village, the place where the well known and respected, wealthy Gyeongju Choe Clan settled during the late Joseon Dynasty.

The Gyeongju Choe Clan was a family of Confucian scholars of great wealth, who used their money to help the less fortunate.

They built and lived in various areas such as Ulsan, Gyeongju, and Daegu. Let's take a look at their village in Daegu.

The large tree that greets you at the entrance is a 400-year-old Zelkova.

Starting from the entrance of the village, trees line the way, planted years ago to ward away negative energy.

The autumn leaves go very well with the classic feeling of Otgol Village.

When you enter the village, it feels like stepping into a drama set during the Joseon Dynasty.

I was able to freely walk around the village road as if I were a resident, however there are places where people still live, so be careful not to disturb them or trespass.

Traditional Hanok houses were located along the dirt roads lined with old-fashioned stone and dirt walls.

These walls are characteristic of Otgol Village and help preserve Joseon tradition, so they are actually registered as Korean cultural property.

This historic village is beautiful to visit any time of year and will give you a glimpse at what life was like in the past, but I highly recommend visiting in the fall to take advantage of the natural beauty of the area.

Palgongsan Fountain Square
팔공산 분수광장

Address: 대구광역시 동구 용수동 27-5
27-5 Yongsu-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu

Hours: 00:00-24:00

Admission: Free

Palgongsan is a mountain many associate with Daegu, a place where you can enjoy the beauty of Gyeongsang-do at a glance.

Here you can take in the scenery without having to actually climb Palgongsan Mountain

Especially in spring and autumn, when trees are colored with cherry blossoms or fall leaves, many people visit this place to revel in the natural beauty.

This is because it is located at the foot of Palgongsan and there are sites that can only be seen in the mountains.

For the autumn leaves, I could spend hours here.

Today I want to show you a hidden spot where you can enjoy the scenery and a leisurely stroll.

While I was there, I saw a lot of couples and families sitting on mats and relaxing amongst the colorful leaves.

If you visit and site for a while under the trees, you too can enjoy the natural healing this place has to offer.

If you're looking for an amazing autumn foliage spot in Korea in a romantic setting, I recommend Palgongsan Fountain Plaza.

Additionally, it is located on the way to Donghwasa, so you can hit both locations conveniently.

Palgongsan Mountain Drive Course (Palgongsan Beltway)
팔공산 드라이브 코스 (팔공산 순환도로)

Address: 파계사 삼거리-팔공cc 삼거리
Pagyesa Intersection-Palgong cc Intersection

Hours: 00:00-24:00

Admission: Free

Transportation: Buses Chilgok 3, 101, Express 1, Palgong 1, Palgong 2, Palgong 3.

While walking is always nice, going for a scenic drive in the mountains is equally enjoyable!

And I'm sure there are some of you who would prefer this sort of thing.

For those who want to see the fall colors comfortably from your vehicle, the Palgongsan Beltway is a perfect option.

It's on the way to Donghwasa and Palgongsan Fountain Square, so if you want, you can easily visit all three places.

The circular road, which is about 8 or 9 km from Pagyesa Intersection to Palgong cc Intersection, was selected as a sightseeing road by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport.

In some areas there was more traffic, but this made it so you have to go slow and can enjoy the view well. When the traffic clears up, you can enjoy a nice drive among the warm colors of fall.

I highly recommend renting a car and going for a ride around the romantic Palgongsan Beltway if you have the time.

Keimyung University Seongseo Campus
계명대학교 성서캠퍼스

Address: 대구광역시 달서구 신당동 달구벌대로 1095
1095 Dalgubeol-daero, Sindang-dong, Dalseo-gu, Daegu

Hours: 00:00-24:00

Our next location is Keimyung University Seongseo Campus.

You might think, "why a college campus?", but this place is a very special fall foliage spot.

This is because it is a regular filming location for numerous dramas, commercials, and music videos.

It has been the setting for advertisements and music videos, as well as popular dramas such as Extraordinary You.

You can feel the youthful energy just like in a movie or drama here.

I envy the Keimyung students.

This spot was the setting for Shinhwa High School, the prestigious private high school in Boys Over Flowers.

The language school where Kim Tae-ri visited to learn English in Mr. Sunshine is also located at Keimyung University.

Hanhakchon is a space where Keimyung University reproduced its old house and village school.

It was very beautiful to walk through, especially with the bright red leaves framing the traditional buildings.

But that's not all!

SEVENTEEN also filmed their MANSAE Part Switch Ver. video here.

As you can see, Keimyung University has an expansive campus with many one-of-a-kind sights that punctuate the autumn hues in a picturesque way.

This is one of the best places to experience fall in Korea, and if you're a K-drama and K-pop fan, you definitely want to visit.

Hosan Park
호산공원

Address: 대구 달서구 달서대로109길 70
70 Dalseo-daero 109-gil, Dalseo-gu, Daegu

Hours: 00:00-24:00

Admission: Free

If you enjoyed Keimyung University, the next stop is Hosan Park.

Hosan Park is located just 7-8 minutes by foot from the main gate of Keimyung.

Everywhere you look here there are colorful maple trees and the fallen leaves rustle in a satisfying way as you walk.

It somehow evokes a very warm and nostalgic feeling.

This is a place that is enjoyed by not only Daegu citizens, but people from all over Korea who travel here in the fall.

This is because of the famous Metasequoia Road located in the park.

You can take a walk along Metasequoia Road and take cute photos as well.

As you walk along the park in front of Hosan High School, you can hear the relaxed chatter and crunching leaves.

It was a very soothing and healing time, so I recommend this park if you need to let go of stress and unwind.

Daegu Arboretum
대구 수목원

Address: 대구 달서구 화암로 342
342 Hwaam-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu

Hours: 9:00-18:00

Admission: Free

Finally, I want to talk about the Daegu Arboretum where you can enjoy nature in downtown Daegu.

Admission is free and parking is convenient.

Many people from all over Korea, not just Daegu, come to visit in the fall and also in the spring for cherry blossom season.

The Daegu Arboretum hosts a large Chrysanthemum Festival in autumn, so you can enjoy the colorful blossoms as well as the changing leaves.

You can take cute pictures in front of the topiary shrubs that range from animals to cartoon characters.

Come check out the Daegu Arboretum next time you come to Korea! You won't be disappointed!

That brings us to the end of our list of the best places to experience fall foliage in Daegu.

Hope you enjoyed and found it useful.

Feel free to leave any comments or questions below.