Quick ride by bicycle from Daegu to Hwawŏn

Spin out of central Daegu on mostly quiet neighborhood roads and head southwest toward Dalseong County. It’s about 17 km with gentle rolling ups and downs (around 175 m total ascent), staying low the whole way—nice for an easy-paced ride. Expect a couple of brief busy crossings, but otherwise it’s calm, paved riding with the option to dip onto riverside stretches if you want extra scenery.

Daegu itself is Korea’s fourth‑largest city, famous for Seomun Market, Apsan Park, and the 83 Tower—good pre‑ride coffee and snack options abound. As you near Hwawon, the landscape opens toward the Nakdong River. Hwawon-eup is a laid‑back riverside town in Dalseong, handy for detours to the Daegu Arboretum or, a bit farther along the river, The ARC (the striking water-culture pavilion at the Gangjeong-Goryeong Weir).

Tips: carry water, use lights for any dusk returns, and watch for traffic where the route briefly joins busier roads. Perfect for a relaxed half-day spin with river views at the finish.