Daegu fall travel spots offer breathtaking seasonal scenery in South Korea as the scorching summer fades and cool autumn breezes sweep through the city. From tranquil historic Confucian academies framed by golden ginkgo trees to vibrant cosmos fields along the Geumho River and shimmering silver eulalia, South Korea’s vibrant autumn beauty is on full display. Here are three must-visit autumn destinations in Daegu where you can capture the essence of the changing season in a single snapshot.
Dodongseowon Confucian Academy: A Golden Autumn Night Spectrum
The first stop on your autumn photo journey is Dodongseowon Confucian Academy, located in Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun. Established to enshrine the Joseon Dynasty Neo-Confucian scholar Hanheowdang Kim Goeng-pil (1454–1504), the academy was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019 alongside seven other academies across South Korea under the title ‘Seowons, Korean Neo-Confucian Academies.’
In autumn, a massive ginkgo tree standing proudly at the entrance of the academy captivates visitors with its brilliant golden foliage. Believed to be over 400 years old and planted by Kim Goeng-pil’s great-grandson, Master Han-gang Jeong Gu, this landmark is often affectionately called the ‘Kim Goeng-pil Tree.’ Its unique, long-stretching branches create a stunning visual harmony with the academy’s traditional tiled roofs.
Once the golden leaves drop, the courtyard and surrounding stone walls are blanketed in yellow, creating a serene and timeless atmosphere. It is a favorite spot for photographers looking to capture traditional architecture framed by autumn foliage. After exploring the academy, visitors can head up to nearby Daramjae Pass to enjoy a panoramic view of Dodongseowon, the Nakdonggang River, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
This autumn, night visitors can also enjoy a dazzling display of lights. Scenic lighting will illuminate the Dodongseowon area from October 1 until November 14. Every Friday and Saturday, a media facade show will be projected onto the 400-year-old ginkgo tree. Offering tranquil traditional scenery by day and dynamic media art by night, this location provides completely different photographic experiences depending on the time of day.
Hajungdo Island: Home of the 2026 Daegu Garden Expo
The second recommended destination is Hajungdo Island, situated in the Geumho River between Paldal Bridge and Nogok Bridge in Nogok-dong, Buk-gu. Also known as ‘Geumho Flower Island,’ the area was once prone to flooding and plagued by waste before being transformed through major revitalization projects into a premier representative landmark of northern Daegu.
Visiting Hajungdo Island in the autumn rewards travelers with fields of fully bloomed cosmos flowers. Vibrant blossoms blanket the Geumho River banks, swaying gracefully in sync with the crisp river breeze. Walking paths meander through the flower beds, allowing for close-up shots against the backdrop of the expansive river and sweeping floral landscapes. At dusk, the setting sun paints the sky in fiery hues, blending with the riverbanks and cosmos fields to create an evening landscape entirely distinct from daytime views.
From October 23 to 27, Hajungdo Island will host the ‘2026 Daegu Garden Expo.’ Under the theme ‘Drawing, Reciting, Staying,’ the event will feature garden exhibitions created by students, citizens, and corporations, alongside a garden industry exhibition and festival programs. A fall visit to Hajungdo allows travelers to enjoy both seasonal riverside scenery and innovative landscape designs.
Daemyeong Reservoir: Ecological Tour Exploration
For travelers seeking the quintessential autumn aesthetic of shimmering silver eulalia, a visit to Daemyeong Reservoir in Daecheon-dong, Dalseo-gu, is a must. Spanning October and November, the sprawling marshland is taken over by tall, broad-leafed silver eulalia that ripple in unison when the autumn wind blows. Visitors can walk along the ecological trails for an up-close experience or head to the observatory deck for a grand panoramic view.
At sunset, the landscape of Daemyeong Reservoir transforms dramatically. Low-angled sunlight catches the silver eulalia, shifting between silver and golden hues for stunning photographic opportunities.
Originally constructed to prevent flooding in nearby industrial complexes, Daemyeong Reservoir has since evolved into a thriving ecological sanctuary supporting diverse wildlife. It is famously recognized as a primary habitat for the narrow-mouthed toad (Metaphryne asiatica), a Class II endangered wild species designated by the Ministry of Environment, alongside other wildlife including leopard cats, weasels, kestrels, and water deer.
Visitors looking for an in-depth ecological experience can join the ‘Dalseo Eco-Exploration’ program, which offers expert-led wetland plant observations during the autumn season. Additional family-friendly activities include ecological games, sketching, and virtual reality (VR) toad exploration experiences. Furthermore, the ‘Dalligo’ eco-tour bus will operate from October 10 to November 28, taking visitors on a curated tour of Daemyeong Reservoir and neighboring tourist attractions.
