From Snacks to Coffee! Daegu Mukbang Travelogue (feat. DIMF)

A Food Vlog from My Trip to Daegu to Attend DIMF

While everyone is traveling abroad, to Jeju Island, or the East Sea during the hot summer, how about heading to Daegu with the 16th ‘DIMF (Daegu International Musical Festival)?

During the hot summer, theaters are quite a good place to cool off. Theaters generally have temperature, humidity, and atmosphere that are all suitable for relaxation. Especially if it’s a theater in Daegu where the international musical festival DIMF is held, it’s even better. DIMF kicked off in a grand fashion on the 24th at the Daegu Kolon Outdoor Music Hall. It’s a more meaningful occasion as it’s the first time in about three years that the festival has met audiences due to the impact of COVID-19.

While there is excitement about participating in the festival, the real priority is the food. As the saying goes, even Mount Geumgang is best enjoyed after a meal! After coming down to Daegu to watch a performance, the story of exploring famous restaurants begins near Dongseong-ro, which can be considered the heart of the Daegu subway system. How about filling your stomach well before heading to the show?

Sounds Coffee

At ‘Sounds Coffee’ located in a quiet neighborhood near Kyungpook National University Hospital Station, you can find great value drip coffee. The simple interior decorated mainly in white and blue is charming.

Curious about other coffees as well, I chose the Colombia Juan Martin Pink Bourbon Washed, which is sold as the coffee of June. It’s a refreshing and light coffee with a complex sweet aroma that’s very appealing. If you happen to be nearby, it’s definitely worth having a cup here.

Mijin Bunsik

After having a cup of coffee in the morning, I moved to Mijin Bunsik located right in the middle of Dongseong-ro. This place sells jjolmyeon (spicy chewy noodles), udon, kimbap, and more. It’s so popular that you have to line up during lunchtime. Due to the nature of bunsik (snack food), table turnover is quite fast. I had a set of jjolmyeon and kimbap, and it wasn’t overly spicy nor strongly sweet and sour. It was mild and clean, which was actually quite nice.

Coffee Myungga

Following Mijin Bunsik, I visited Coffee Myungga, another famous coffee franchise in Daegu. Coffee Myungga is known for its drip coffee and strawberry cake, and its many branches make it convenient to visit anywhere. Especially with drip coffee, regardless of the brand, the skill of the person making it is important. So when you unexpectedly taste an amazing flavor at an unexpected place, it feels like a great stroke of luck.

Coffee Myungga’s coffee was just like that. Since I usually enjoy coffee with acidity rather than nutty and bitter flavors, I ordered an Ethiopian single-origin coffee with refreshing acidity here as well. I balanced it with a handmade pumpkin cake.

Q-San

Before going to the performance, I had a light dinner at the Japanese ramen restaurant ‘Q-San.’ I was curious about the basil ramen, which is known to be divisive. Contrary to its appearance, the basil ramen had a fairly mild taste, and it made me want to try other menu items as well (so I immediately ordered a mini chashu rice bowl. As expected, I’m a big eater).

However, since I’m not particularly fond of green broth, I decided to try a different ramen next time. I wonder if others felt the same way?

+Bonus. Banwoldang Dakgangjeong

On the way back to Seoul after the performance, the dakgangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) I encountered at Dongdaegu Station was an irresistible temptation. The combination of large, chewy rice cakes and tender boneless fried chicken made me think I have to eat it again next time. As soon as I posted it on my story, questions about which store it was flooded in as a bonus!

This DIMF exploration ended with eating and drinking! Indeed, food is what remains, and even Mount Geumgang is best enjoyed after a meal! The performances were great too! Really! Including university festival productions, a total of 21 musicals can be seen all over Daegu until July 11th at DIMF! Let’s head there right away!

Photo by Seo Jeongjun