Riding the Daegu Metro from the Camp Walker Lodge

I’m fresh out of mandatory quarantine and ready to explore Daegu, but my car hasn’t arrived yet. Steven is in the process of buying a car, but Daegu has great public transportation, so I don’t need to wait. However, I can hire a taxi, ride the bus, or my favorite public option—ride the Daegu Metro. Luckily, we don’t have to travel far to access it because it’s right outside gate 6.

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Riding the Daegu Metro from the Camp Walker Lodge

Most of this post would either be common sense or intuitive in the United States. But public transportation in a foreign country is intimidating. Here in Korea, it is relatively painless. Knowing what to expect will help you get out there and explore.

So if you’re like me and you are ready to add steps to your Fitbit? Add me as a friend. I am easy to find, I’m duffelbagspouse. Second, you’ll need to download a couple of apps.

The Daegu Metro Map and Waze are useful tools to have when navigating the streets of Daegu. The Daegu Metro is simple. It only has three lines (green, gold, and red– the one closest to the Walker Lodge. And Waze is a navigation app similar to Google Maps, which doesn’t work here in South Korea. Google works as a research tool but is less useful for navigation.

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The Daegu Metro

Hyeonchugno Station is right outside the back gate. Head out the doors of the Walker Lodge towards the gate and take a left. Whether you go down the stairs, escalator, or elevator, you’ll end up in the same place. Most stops have all three making them accessible for everyone.

Most train stations are staffed. The office at Hyeonchugno Station is located at the far left end of the station.

The gold (yellow or orange) line’s newest line includes a monorail or elevated train where you can explore the city as it whizzes by you. I need to get clarification on the color of this line, lol.

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Getting a Ticket to Ride

RF Card or Single Use Token

You have two options. You can purchase the RF Card or a single-use token. The RF Card is the way to go if you plan to ride the metro often. You’ll need to purchase the card from one of the attendants. Each card will cost 5,000 Won and is non-refundable. In addition to the metro, the One Pass card can be used on other public transportation like the bus, ferry, taxis, and discounts for group travel. Check out the link above for more information.

Look for this machine for a single token ticket, click English and follow the directions. It’s pretty simple. The fare is based on the ticket type and age of the rider. The fare is not based on how far you are traveling.

Using Your Tickets

Scan your card or token the same way. Place them on top of the machine, wait for the turnstile to open, and walkthrough. There are three metro lines in Daegu:

• Seolhwa·Myeonggok ~ Ansim has 32 stops and spans 28.4-kilometers, 
• Munyang ~ Yeungnam University has 31 stops along a 31.4-kilometer route, and 
• Chilgok Kyungpook Nat’l Univ. Medical Center ~ Yongji has 30 stations and runs 23.1 kilometers.

On the Platform

Mind the Gap

Don’t stand here. Note there is no subway car number in the black triangle. The oncoming train is short. Do stand here. Wear your mask at all times and be mindful of social distancing markers on the platform and car floor.

Cultural Note

You may or may not be aware, but private space is NOT a thing here in Asia. Like driving, you can only determine how much space you leave in front of you. However, be aware, here in Korea, someone will fill that space too.

When I first moved here, I thought it strange that there were mirrors everywhere, but they are convenient. You always want to look your best on the subway.

Seriously though, subway Maps are located everywhere. Note the name of each train stop in addition to the previous and next one on the wall of each station. Each station is also numbered.

On the Train

The first thing you’ll notice is the subway trains are quiet. There is no loud talking or music. The trains are also immaculate. Stops are announced verbally (in Korean and English) and displayed on overhead LED panels.

Don’t be surprised if you get a few long, uncomfortable stares from the locals. Get used to it. Be prepared to exit the train when it stops, look for the exit sign, or follow the crowd.

And if you get turned around or have trouble at the ticket machines, there is a call button for assistance.

 

Transfers

Transfers and junctions (where two lines intersect) are clearly marked on the metro map.

• Bandwoldang (green and red lines)
• Myeongdeak (yellow and red)
• Cheongna Hill (green and yellow)

Look and Listen

Once you exit the train, look high and low. You will find overhead directions. You can also follow the red, green, or yellow arrows on the platform floor.

In addition to the visual cues, there are musical preludes to oncoming trains. If I remember correctly, it was a few classical music bars.

Exiting the Daegu Metro

Place your RF card on the scanner or deposit your token in the slot provided to exit the turnstile. Streets or junctions designate exits. Note the exit closest to your destination and exit the metro.

That’s it.