Overview
The Daegu Metro (대구 도시철도) is the primary rail transit system serving the city of Daegu and its surrounding regions. As a visitor, you can navigate the city using a combination of rapid transit lines, a monorail system, and an extensive bus network. To ride the metro, you will typically purchase a ticket or use a smartcard to enter the station; you must keep your token or card handy as you will need to scan it again when exiting to complete your journey.
The network
The transit infrastructure in Daegu is composed of several distinct rail and road systems:
- Line 1: A rapid transit line running from Daegok to Ansim (with an extension reaching Hayang).
- Line 2: A rapid transit line running from Munyang to Sawol.
- Line 3: Also known as the Sky Rail, this is a monorail system running from Chilgok to Beommul (Yongji).
- Daegyeong Line (대구-경북선): A metropolitan rail line operated by Korail that connects Gumi to Gyeongsan while passing through central Daegu.
- City Buses: An extensive network where Main Line buses (Ganseon) use a three-digit numbering system to indicate the geographical zone of the route.
Tickets & fares
You can purchase tickets at machines located within the stations. Fares vary depending on whether you use a pre-paid smartcard or a single-use token, as well as your age group. Please note that these prices are approximate and subject to change.
- Smartcard Users: Adult (1,500 won), Teenager (850 won), Child (450 won).
- Pre-paid Tokens: Adult/Teenager (1,700 won), Child (500 won).
- City Bus Fares: Adult (1,250 won), Teenager (850 won), Child (400 won). Note that express buses have higher fares.
When using the integrated system, you can transfer between Daegu city buses, urban railroads, and specific regional buses (Yeongcheon and Gyeongsan) for free if the transfer occurs within 30 minutes of your previous arrival.
From the airport
To travel from Daegu International Airport (TAE) to the city center, you have two primary options:
- Bus: You can take bus No. 401 to reach the downtown area (approximate fare of ₩1,100).
- Taxi: A taxi ride to the Dongsungro district in the city center costs approximately ₩7,000 and takes about 25 minutes. A shorter trip to the Dongdaegu train station takes roughly 10 minutes and costs around ₩3,000.
Etiquette & customs
While specific behavioral rules like "standing on one side of the escalator" are not detailed in the source material, the system is equipped with safety features such as flame-retardant materials and emergency gas masks due to historical safety concerns. You should be aware that the metro is a high-capacity public space; standard local customs involve maintaining a respectful environment for other passengers.
Official links
Survival terms
- 대구 도시철도 (Daegu Dosicheoldo): Daegu Metro
- 승차권 (Seungchagwon): Ticket
- 노선 (Noseon): Line
- 입구 (Ipgu): Entrance
- 출구 (Chulgu): Exit
- 환승 (Hwanseong): Transfer
- 단일 요금 (Danil Yogeum): Single fare
- 1일권 (Il-gwon): Day pass
If you are traveling to the city center from the airport, taking bus No. 401 is a cost-effective way to reach the downtown area.