Where specifically in South Korea am I headed? Well, I’m glad you asked. The city is named Daegu [Taegu], and it’s the 4th largest city, behind Seoul, Incheon, and Busan. It has a population of more than 2.5 million people. Citizens have been characterized as modest, persistent, patient, and hardworking. Textiles make up nearly half of the economic base, with mills for spinning and dying thread. Fashion is also a main focus, so design is an integral component of Daegu.
Daegu sits in a basin surrounded by low mountains. Palgong-san to the north, Biseul-san to the south, the foothills of Gaya-san to the west, and a series of smaller hills in the east. It receives less than the average precipitation of SK each year. During summer, it averages hotter than the rest of the country due to the surrounding mountains which trap the warm air in it’s basin. In the winter, snow falls in the city, but doesn’t stay long. Winds keep the temperature low. Along the northern and eastern edges of the city, the Geumho River flows emptying in the Nakdong River west of the city.
Apple production has historically been another important component of the city’s economy. There are over a dozen major varieties of apples available, today. The first apples are picked in late July and extends into early winter.
Daegu is an educational center. Missionaries introduced modern schools and Western education in 1906. Students from all around the country came to for this new “Western learning.” Today, Daegu is home to over two dozen universities and colleges. Next to Seoul, it’s universities are some of the most well-known and respected.
Daegu is known as the home of Korean baseball. The Samsung Lions were once again victorious in the Korean Series in 2006. Before the advent of the professional leagues, its high school teams were avidly followed. The city was a co-host of the 2002 FIFA World Cup soccer game. A new football stadium was built for the event.
Daegu, also, hosts four American military bases, Daegu Air Base, Camp Walker, Camp Henry and Camp George.
