A largely rural district lying along the Nakdong River, it makes up nearly half of Daegu's total area.

It is divided in half by a narrow piece of Dalseo-gu that reaches west to the river.

The county magistrate and council are elected by the local citizens, although their authority is sharply curtailed.

Dalseong-gun enters historical records in 757, as Daegu-hyeon, a subsidiary of Suchang-gun (modern-day Suseong-gu).

Landmarks of Dalseong-gun include Biseulsan and the Naengcheon resort area beneath Paljoryeong.