Duryu Park, Daegu

Covering Duryusan and Geumbongsan hills on the west side of Daegu, Duryu Park is the city's largest urban park at about 1.65 square kilometres. The lotus pond Seongdangmot, the 202 m tall 83 Tower and the memorial to the February 28 democracy movement all sit within it, which makes it both the locals' everyday walking spot and the stage for the summer Chimac Festival (fried chicken and beer).

From reservoir to Daegu's biggest park

At the heart of the park, Seongdangmot is old enough to be listed as one of Daegu's reservoirs in the 15th-century Geography Section of the Annals of King Sejong. Its summer lotuses were famous: the early Joseon scholar Seo Geo-jeong included "Lotus Flowers on the Southern Pond" in his Ten Views of Daegu. The area was designated as a park in 1965 and seriously developed from 1977. In the 1980s the pond bed was dug out and an island with a pavilion was built, though embankment works at the time also filled in a large part of the pond. The Daegu Culture and Arts Center followed in 1990 and 83 Tower in 1992.

What to look for

• Seongdangmot and Buyongjeong: the pavilion on the island, Buyongjeong, was modelled on the pavilion of the same name in the rear garden of Changdeokgung Palace. The stone bridge leading to it, Samseongyo, borrows its design from the Cheongungyo stairway-bridge at Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju. The pavilion and 83 Tower reflected together in the water is the classic photo here.
• 83 Tower views: the 202 m tower stands on top of Duryusan and is run together with the E-World theme park. Climb the paths on Duryusan and you get glimpses of western Daegu through the trees.
• February 28 Memorial Tower and 2·28 Freedom Plaza: the tower honours the February 28 democracy movement of 1960, led by Daegu high-school students. The former baseball ground beside it has become flower beds and a large lawn, reopened in 2023 as the 2·28 Freedom Plaza.
• Geumbongsan forest walk: a woodland path follows Geumbongsan behind the Culture and Arts Center. Monuments along the park's ring road include a statue of the poet Yi Sang-hwa.
• Spring blossoms: the ring road and paths are lined with cherry trees.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: on the Daegu Metro, Seongdangmot Station (Line 1) is handy for the pond, and Duryu Station (Line 2) for Duryusan and 83 Tower. The park is large, so pick your station by what you want to see.
• Prices: walking in the park is free. 83 Tower and E-World charge separately; check their official website.
• Time needed: 30 minutes for a loop of Seongdangmot, about 2 hours if you add the Freedom Plaza and the Geumbongsan woods.
• When to go: cherry blossoms in early April, lotuses and water lilies on the pond in summer. The Daegu Chimac Festival is held every summer; in 2026 it ran from 1 to 5 July around the 2·28 Freedom Plaza and the Kolon outdoor concert hall.
• Summer heat: Daegu is famous for hot summers. Walk early in the morning or around sunset rather than at midday, and carry water.
• Combine with: Seomun Market, Gyesan-dong Cathedral and Dalseong Park are a short metro ride away for a full day in central Daegu.