Suseong Lake, Daegu

In the middle of Suseong-gu in Daegu, Suseong Lake is a reservoir about 2 km around that serves as the city's favourite strolling and dating spot. It began as a colonial-era reservoir for irrigating rice paddies, but today swan-shaped pedal boats drift across it and a musical fountain lights up in the evenings. Daegu Metro Line 3 stops nearby, so it is easy to reach.

History: from irrigation reservoir to lakeside park

The fields around Suseong suffered repeatedly from floods and droughts, so during Japanese rule a local Japanese resident, Mizusaki Rintaro, built the reservoir with support from the Government-General. Sources differ on when it was finished: 1925 or 1927. It is 2,020 m around and holds about 700,000 tonnes of water. Mizusaki died in 1939 and was buried beside the lake.

Until the 1970s the area was still farmland with hardly any houses. In the 1980s the shore became an amusement strip lined with street-food tents, all of which were cleared in 1991 when the park was redeveloped. Once Metro Line 3 opened in 2015, cafés moved in along the shore, and it is now one of Daegu's most popular outings.

Nearby Deuran-gil changed with it. From the late 1980s large restaurants moved here from the city centre, creating a food street. A light festival was first held in winter 2019, and the autumn Suseongmot Festival is now the main event.

What to see

• Lakeside promenade: decks and paths loop all the way around, lined with benches and trees. Cherry blossom in spring and autumn colour later in the year line the way.
• Swan boats and cruise boat: pedalling across the water at sunset is Suseong Lake's signature scene.
• Musical fountain: in the evening the fountain dances to music on the lake under coloured lights. Its season and hours change through the year.
• Royal willow: a willow around 100 years old stands at the start of the eastern path.
• Sanghwa Hill and Poetry Street: a small mound named after the Daegu-born poet Yi Sang-hwa and a street with his verses, both by the lake.
• Arte Suseong Land: a small amusement park right next door, handy with children.

Good to know

• There is even a 2018 feature film named after the lake, which shows how much it is part of everyday life in Daegu.
• The Suseongmot Festival takes place around the lake in September.

Tripto tips

• Practical info: the lake park is open at all times and free. The musical fountain is off on Mondays, so check its season before you go.
• Getting there: take Daegu Metro Line 3 to Suseongmot Station and walk.
• Time needed: 40 minutes to 1 hour for a loop, or 2-3 hours with a boat ride and a café.
• Best time: arrive around sunset, then stay for the fountain and the night view.
• Combine with: dinner in the Deuran-gil food street next to the lake rounds off the day.