"I have an affection for a great city. I feel safe in the neighborhood of man and enjoy the sweet security of the streets."
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We know a great city by the lightness in our step, by the excitement reflecting off its wet pavement, by the intriguing smells wafting on the wings of the late night air. Daegu has that great city feel that one gets when you reach the top of the subway exit and the rest of the evening beckons you with its carefree spirit.
Great cities have great pedigrees. Daegu was the provincial capital during the Joseon Dynasty. More recently, it was the site for the founding of two of the world's leading companies, Samsung and Kolon Industries.
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| Downtown Daegu (1974), note the absence of private cars |
DAEGU FAST FACTS
Size: Korea’s 4th largest city; 2.5 million population
Name: Daegu, formerly Taegu, means “large hill”
Nick Names: Textile City, Apple City
Commercial Focus: fashion, education, high tech Industries, manufacturing, agriculture
Administrative Divisions: Daegu is divided into 7 districts (Gu’s)
Sister Cities: Daegu has 9 “Sister Cities” and 6 “Friendly Partner Cities”
Size: Korea’s 4th largest city; 2.5 million population
Name: Daegu, formerly Taegu, means “large hill”
Nick Names: Textile City, Apple City
Commercial Focus: fashion, education, high tech Industries, manufacturing, agriculture
Administrative Divisions: Daegu is divided into 7 districts (Gu’s)
Sister Cities: Daegu has 9 “Sister Cities” and 6 “Friendly Partner Cities”
Just a few short decades ago Daegu was the fascinating intersection of a rural past and a heart palpitating future--what we know as the Daegu of today. Private cars were a rarity and deliveries were made by men pushing homemade carts. Apartments were largely on the drawing board. The city went to sleep at about 10 PM--thanks to a national curfew. Rice was not available in restaurants two days a week due to rationing.
Today's Daegu is seen as a leader from sports to commerce. The city of Daegu has been selected to host international athletic competitions such as the 2011 World Championships in Athletics and the FIFA World Soccer Cup, thanks to its world-class sports venues and accommodations. Industry too is drawn to Daegu due to its knowledge-based service sector and its supportive climate for business.
As noted by Longfellow, it's easy to have an affection for a great city--and Daegu IS a great city by almost any measure.
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| Colorful Movie Marquee, a Daegu Cinema circa 1974 |
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| Ice-skating on Su-Seong Lake, Daegu (1974) |
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| Downtown Daegu Today |
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