Getting to the City
Visitors arriving at Daegu International Airport (located on the east side of the city) have two primary options for reaching the downtown area: public bus or taxi.
- Bus: You can take a dedicated shuttle bus (No. 401) to reach the city center.
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available at the airport. A ride to the central Dongsungro district typically takes about 25 minutes, while a shorter trip to the Dongdaegu train station takes approximately 10 minutes.
Rail and Metro Networks
Daegu features a multi-layered rail system that connects local neighborhoods with major regional hubs.
- Subway Lines: The city is served by three metro lines. Line 1 (red) and Line 2 (green) intersect at the central Banwoldang station. Line 3 is a monorail system that connects to Line 1 at Myeongdeok Station and Line 2 at Cheongna Hill (Sinam) Station.
- Ticketing: Tickets for the subway can be purchased from automated machines. When entering the station, you must scan your token and hold onto it, as the same token is required to exit.
- Regional Trains: There are two primary train stations in the city. Dongdaegu Station serves high-speed KTX trains (connecting to Seoul and Busan), while Daegu Station is located in the heart of the downtown area and serves Saemaeul and Mugunghwa trains. Both of these stations are connected by Subway Line 1.
Buses and Local Transit
The city's bus network is extensive and organized by a specific numbering system to help passengers identify routes based on their geographical zones.
- City Buses: The fare for adult passengers on city buses is ₩1,250 (with lower rates for children and teenagers). Note that the price is higher for express buses. A significant benefit of the local transit system is the ability to transfer between city buses and urban railroads for free if done within 30 minutes of your previous arrival.
- Intercity and Express Buses: Daegu serves as a major hub for the national bus network. The Dongdaegu Terminal is the primary hub for both express and intercity routes. Other specialized terminals, such as the Daegu Bukbu Intercity Bus Terminal and Daegu West Station, serve specific regional directions.
Taxis and Sightseeing
For shorter trips or direct travel to specific locations, taxis are a convenient and affordable option.
- Taxi Navigation: Because local residents do not typically use street addresses for navigation, it is most effective to give your driver the name of a nearby landmark, such as a hotel, department store, or movie theater.
- City Tour Bus: For those interested in sightseeing, a dedicated City Tour Bus operates year-round. It departs five times a day from several locations, including the Daegu Tourist Information Center, Dongdaegu Train Station, and Banwoldang starting at 10:00 every day. This bus follows a route highlighting various cultural remains and tourist sites.