Overview
Daejeon Metro (대전 도시철도) is the rapid transit system serving Daejeon, South Korea. As a visitor, you'll find that the network currently consists of a single operating line with 22 stations covering 22.74 kilometres. To ride end to end, you can travel from Panam Station in the southeast to Banseok Station in the northwest, or vice versa. You'll need to purchase a transit card or ticket at a station kiosk, tap it to enter the turnstile, and follow signage to your platform. Most stations have English-language signage to help you navigate. Upon arrival at your destination, tap your card again at the exit gates.
The network
Metro (Subway)
Line 1 is Daejeon's sole operating rapid-transit line. It opened in two phases: Phase 1 on 16 March 2006 (connecting Panam to Government Complex), and Phase 2 on 17 April 2007 (extending the line to Banseok). The line now runs 22.74 kilometres with 22 stations, stretching from Banseok Station in Yuseong-gu to Panam Station in Dong-gu. A tentative extension from Banseok to Government Complex Sejong is planned to open in 2029.
Tram (Light Rail)
Line 2 is currently under construction and is expected to open in 2028. It will be operated as a tram system and will include two demonstration routes—one in an urban area and one in a business area—that will eventually be connected.
Metropolitan Rail
Chungcheong Metropolitan Railroad is planned to connect Gyeryong-si, Nonsan-si, Okcheon-gun, and Sejong Special Self-Governing City with Daejeon as the hub. Services will be operated by Korail on the existing Gyeongbu Line (Sintanjin Station to Okcheon Station) and Honam Line (Ojeong Station to Ganggyeong Station). The first phase (Gyeryong-Sintanjin section) began construction in December 2023 and is scheduled to open in 2027.
Daejeon-Sejong-Chungbuk Metropolitan Railway (CTX) is planned to connect Daejeon, Sejong, and Cheongju. Originally planned as an extension of Daejeon Metro Line 1, it is now being developed as a separate line (Chungcheong Train eXpress) connecting Government Complex station to Cheongju Airport. It is scheduled to open in 2034.
Conventional Rail
Daejeon is a major rail hub with conventional train and KTX (high-speed train) services. The main station is Daejeon Station (serving the KTX Gyeongbu Line), and the secondary Seo-Daejeon Station serves the KTX Honam Line. Additional stations at Shintanjin and other locations provide regional connections. These services are operated by Korea National Railroad (Korail).
Tickets & fares
Payment Methods
Daejeon Metro uses contactless payment cards for all transit rides. You can purchase a reusable Hankkumi transportation card at manned booths within subway stations for ₩2,500, which can then be recharged with money. These cards are compatible with Seoul T-money passes and offer free transfers between vehicles within 30 minutes. Single fares for the metro are approximately ₩1,400–₩1,500 depending on distance, though these fares change and should be confirmed at the station. Alternatively, you can use a T-money card if you already have one from travel elsewhere in South Korea; it works on Daejeon's metro, buses, and other regional transit.
Recharging Your Card
You can top up your Hankkumi card at station booths, at many GS 25 convenience stores throughout the city, or using mobile payment apps such as Kakao Pay or Naver Pay in select locations. Card refunds are available at convenience stores, though the card fee is typically not refunded.
Transfers
When you tap your card on entry and exit, you automatically qualify for transfer discounts. A second journey within 30 minutes on a different bus or metro line is free or deeply discounted.
From the airport
Daejeon does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest option is Cheongju International Airport (청주국제공항), located about 30 minutes north of Daejeon by road. The airport has a railway station, Cheongju Airport Station, which sits 600 metres from the airport terminal. A shuttle bus operates between the station and the airport passenger terminals.
The most straightforward public-transport option is an intercity bus: a direct bus service runs between Cheongju Airport and Daejeon Dongbu Terminal, costing approximately ₩3,500 per ticket (fares are subject to change). Alternatively, you can take a train from Cheongju Airport Station on the Chungbuk Line to reach Daejeon, though this will require additional transfers.
Most international visitors arrive in South Korea at Incheon International Airport near Seoul and travel to Daejeon via the high-speed KTX train (approximately 1 hour from Seoul to Daejeon) or intercity buses, both of which are widely available and frequent.
Etiquette & customs
Public transport in Daejeon follows standard South Korean transit etiquette. Queue in an orderly fashion when boarding buses or trains, and allow passengers to exit before you board. On escalators, stand on the left side to allow others to pass on the right (though actual practice may vary).
Respect designated priority and women-only seating areas. Although eating and drinking are not explicitly prohibited on Daejeon Metro, it is considered impolite and is generally avoided; beverages and food are typically consumed only in designated areas or off the train.
During rush hours (typically weekday mornings and evenings), trains and buses become crowded. Remain patient, avoid blocking doorways, and hold onto handholds or poles for safety. It is customary to give up your seat to elderly passengers, people with disabilities, and pregnant women.
Phones should be kept on silent or vibrate mode. Speaking loudly on a phone is considered rude. When boarding buses, board through the front door and exit through the rear door, tapping your card on the reader both upon entry and exit.
Official links
Survival terms
- 지하철 (jihacheol) – subway/metro
- 표 (pyo) – ticket
- 노선 (noseon) – line
- 입구 (ipgu) – entrance
- 출구 (chulgu) – exit
- 환승 (hwanseung) – transfer
- 편도 (pyeondo) – single fare
- 일일 정기권 (ilil jeonggigyeon) – day pass
Always keep your Hankkumi or T-money card with you, as cash is no longer accepted on Daejeon's buses or metro, and top up your balance regularly at convenience stores to avoid unexpected inconvenience during your stay.