Daegu Modern History Alleys

皓月旗 · CC BY 4.0

A walking route past a red-brick church, missionary houses and the ninety steps schoolchildren used in 1919.

Daegu's 'modern alley' route 2 runs about four kilometres through a hundred years of history. It starts at Gyesan church, red brick, built in 1902, then climbs Cheongna hill where three American missionary houses still stand with the first apple tree brought into Korea growing in the garden. The most affecting stretch is the 3·1 Manse Undong-gil — ninety steps that schoolchildren slipped down to join the independence demonstrations of 1919. It ends in the Jingolmok lanes of colonial-era merchant houses, now cafés. The route is free and signposted in English the whole way.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Daegu Modern History Alleys?

April–June and September–November

How long do you need at Daegu Modern History Alleys?

2–3 hours

What are the opening hours of Daegu Modern History Alleys?

The alleys are open all day. The three missionary houses on Cheongna hill are closed while they are converted into a museum — only the exteriors can be seen

Did you know

Gyesan church, built in 1902, was the first red-brick Gothic church in the Yeongnam region.
The first apple tree brought to Korea was planted at the missionary houses on Cheongna hill.
The 3·1 steps were the route schoolchildren took to join the 1919 independence movement.
Walking route 2 is about 4km and signposted bilingually.

Travel tips

Take route 2 if you only have one afternoon — it is the best of the five.
Free guided walks leave from Banwoldang station; book ahead.
Finish at Seomun market for dinner.

Source: https://tour.daegu.go.kr/

Updated: 2026-08-05