Unforgettable scenery at “Apsan Observatory,” a spectacular viewpoint in Daegu

Apsan Observatory is an observation deck located in Daegu, South Korea. Known as a breathtaking viewpoint where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, it is a popular spot for tourists visiting Daegu.

The view from Apsan Observatory overlooks the natural beauty of Apsan and the cityscape of Daegu stretching beyond. The scenery changes completely between day and night, offering a different experience each time. The beauty of the night view has spread through word of mouth, allowing visitors to witness a scene that looks like a framed photograph.

In this article, we will share our experience of visiting Apsan Observatory.

1. What kind of city is Daegu, where Apsan is located?

Daegu is located about 1 hour and 30 minutes south of Seoul by KTX (the Korean equivalent of Japan's Shinkansen). It is approximately a 1 hour and 45-minute flight from Narita, Japan, making it a close travel destination comparable to a domestic trip. Known as South Korea’s third-largest city after Seoul and Busan, Daegu is becoming an increasingly popular spot, with direct flights available from several major airports in Japan.

Daegu is often called the "City of Coffee" due to the high concentration of cafés scattered throughout. If you visit Dongseong-ro, Daegu’s main shopping district, you’ll find a wide selection of Korean cosmetics and fashion stores, ensuring you won’t run out of shopping options.

One of Daegu’s must-visit attractions is the "Apsan Observatory." Located about an hour from the city's central shopping district, it is a spectacular viewpoint worth visiting.

2. Access to Apsan Observatory

Apsan is located approximately 4.5 km from downtown Daegu.

【By Taxi】
It takes about 20 minutes from downtown Daegu to the Apsan Cable Car station.

【By Train & Bus】
From Daegu Station, take Daegu Metro Line 1 (대구 1호선) and get off at Yeungnam Univ. Hosp. Station. From there, walk about 3 minutes to the Yeungnam Univ. Hospital Station bus stop and take bus 남구1-1 to Apsan Park Management Office. From the bus stop, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Apsan Cable Car station.

Since the path from the bus stop to the cable car station includes uphill roads and unpaved sections, wearing sneakers is recommended—it can be quite tiring!

3. How much does transportation from downtown to Apsan Observatory cost?

Here’s a breakdown of the transportation costs for visiting Apsan Observatory:

・By taxi: The starting fare in Daegu is 2,800 KRW and increases depending on your location in the city.

By train and bus from Daegu Station:

・Daegu Metro fare: 1,250 KRW (flat rate for all metro routes)
・Bus fare (남구1-1 from Yeungnam Univ. Hospital Station to Apsan Park Management Office): 1,250 KRW

The metro and bus fares mentioned above are discounted rates when using the T-money transportation card. If you pay in cash, the fare will be slightly higher. Additionally, if you transfer between a train and a bus (or vice versa) within 30 minutes using a transportation card, you won’t be charged an extra fee.

You can recharge the T-money card with cash at convenience stores. For a three-day trip, a 15,000 KRW recharge should be enough.

・Entrance to the path leading to the cable car station

After climbing the hill from the bus stop, you will find the entrance to Apsan’s hiking trail. If you prefer, you can skip the cable car and hike up the mountain, which takes about one hour.

・Apsan Park Map

・10-minute walk to the cable car station

Locals often visit Apsan Park for forest bathing and hiking. Fitness gyms and exercise stations are installed throughout the park. A nearby stream flows quietly, and the fresh mountain air is truly refreshing. I also saw groups of elderly women enjoying their lunch on benches, chatting happily. It was clear that Apsan is loved not only by tourists but also by the local community.

The scenery made me forget I was in Korea—it reminded me of a place I might see in Japan.

4. Taking the cable car to the observatory

Since it looked like it might rain, I opted for the cable car without hesitation. After walking for about 10 minutes from the bus stop, the cable car station came into view.

・Apsan Cable Car Entrance

Arriving at the cable car station, I saw the sign "APSAN CABLECAR." To the left, there was a cozy café called "Coffee Myungga." If you need a break indoors, this café is a great place to rest.

After climbing the stairs to the second floor, I reached the ticket counter. On weekdays, tickets are sold on the second floor, while on weekends and holidays, the ticket counter opens on the first floor.

[Cable Car Ticket Prices]

Adults: Round trip 10,500 KRW / One-way 7,500 KRW
Children: Round trip 7,500 KRW / One-way 5,500 KRW
Tickets can be purchased with both credit cards and cash (I used VISA).

[Operating Hours]

Weekdays (Mon–Thu): 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM (Jan, Nov, Dec until 6:30 PM / Feb, Oct until 7:00 PM)
Weekends & Holidays (Fri–Sun): 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Jan, Dec until 8:00 PM / Feb, Nov until 8:30 PM / Mar, Oct until 9:00 PM / Apr, Sep until 9:30 PM)

Ticket sales end 30 minutes before closing time.

The cable car departs once a sufficient number of passengers have gathered, but generally, it operates at 30-minute intervals.

・Boarding the 48-passenger cable car

As the departure announcement played, the staff opened the cable car doors. Until then, passengers waited on benches nearby. Since the waiting area is mostly outdoors, it can be hot in summer and cold in winter, but the roof provides shelter from rain and wind.

An electronic display showed the countdown to departure, so I took a short break while waiting.

When it was time to board, I showed my ticket and entered the cable car. There were about four seats each in the front and rear sections. If you want to sit and enjoy the view, it’s best to line up early.

This time, I secured a seat in the rear.

Although it was cloudy and visibility wasn’t great, the fresh green leaves were beautiful. The five-minute ride felt like a peaceful walk in the sky.

・Getting off the cable car

The cable car arrived, and after disembarking, I followed the sign pointing toward "Apsan Observatory" to the right. There were many stairs along the way, making sneakers the best footwear choice.

◆ Arriving at Apsan Observatory

After walking for about seven or eight minutes, I reached the observatory. The glass-walled structure allowed me to see all the way down. The observatory has been featured in Korean dramas and serves as an educational site, offering a clear view of Daegu’s city layout.

Though the cloudy weather was a bit disappointing, I could still see Daegu Tower. The city of Daegu is surrounded by high mountains, forming a basin. In summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F), while in winter, they can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F). Daegu is known for having some of the highest average summer temperatures in Korea, so be sure to bring a hat and sunglasses. When I visited in late May, the temperature was just right.

Check out the central map at the observatory and compare it with the scenery in front of you.

◆ Plenty of photo spots at Apsan Observatory!

・The "Slow Post" Mailbox

Aside from the observatory itself, there are various photo spots around. One of them is the "Slow Post" mailbox. If you drop a letter inside, it will be delivered one year later, bringing back memories of your trip to Apsan. Next to the mailbox, there’s a box containing postcards—why not write and send one to your future self?

・"You’re so lit"

There’s also a photo spot designed to look like an Instagram post. The phrase "You’re so lit" is a trendy way of saying "This is awesome!"

・Dining options near Apsan Observatory

At the top of the cable car station, there was only one restaurant: "Punggeutmyeon," serving Daegu’s signature Korean noodle dishes. If you’d like to eat before heading back down, this is a good place to stop.

5. How long does it take to visit Apsan Observatory?

From downtown, it takes about an hour to reach the cable car station by bus and train. Once at the observatory, exploring at a relaxed pace takes about another hour. Altogether, planning for a three-hour visit should be sufficient. The best times to visit are in the morning or at night for the illuminated cityscape. In winter, be sure to dress warmly, and in summer, stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat.

◎ Lastly: Climbing up to Apsan Observatory

On my first morning in Daegu, I headed to Apsan Observatory. More than just a place with a great view, walking through the natural surroundings from the bus stop to the observatory was incredibly refreshing. Even though I was in a foreign country, the sense of peace I felt from nature was universal. That’s why destinations with natural scenery remain popular among travelers worldwide.

Apsan Observatory is still relatively undiscovered by Japanese tourists. Why not add it to your itinerary and create wonderful travel memories in Daegu?

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Unforgettable scenery at “Apsan Observatory,” a spectacular viewpoint in Daegu