New Subway Line to Enhance Connectivity in Daegu: A Boon for Koreans, Expats and Tourists
Still a little far off but recent milestones are getting us closer.
Daegu is all set to enhance its public transportation network with the introduction of the Daegu Urban Railway Line 4, originally known as the EXCO Line (but many of us will probably end up colloquially referring to it as the Kyungpook Line or Esiapolis Line). This development is poised to significantly improve travel convenience for both expats and tourists in the city. The construction, which adopts a 'turnkey' approach where design and construction are handled by a consortium of firms, aims to shorten the construction period and is targeting completion by 2030.
Read on but also be sure to check out our InDaegu Group and language exchanges to stay more plugged in to good things going on with Daegu's foreign community!
KEY FEATURES OF DAEGU'S EXCO LINE/LINE 4
The new line will connect various strategic locations across Daegu, making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the city. Here are the planned stations:
- Suseong-gu Civil Stadium Station (Transfer with Line 3)
- Beomeo Station (Transfer with Line 2)
- Venture Valley Station
- Dongdaegu Station (Transfer with Line 1)
- Fatima Hospital Station
- Gonggo Intersection Station
- Kyungpook National University Station
- Kyungpook National University North Gate Station
- Bokhyeon Intersection Station
- EXCO Station
- Geumho Waterpolis Station
- Esiapolis Station
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND IMPROVEMENTS
The total length of the new line will be 12.6 kilometers, featuring 12 stations. Originally planned to be another monorail, the line will instead use an elevated Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system with steel wheels, which has been widely adopted in other South Korean cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Incheon. This choice was made based on comprehensive considerations of technical capability, passenger convenience, safety standards, and maintenance efficiency.
- Completion Timeline: The city finally secured approval of the basic plan from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport earlier this year and last month, the construction technology review was passed for the construction bid details. The city is now slated to order the basic and detailed design service this year. Construction is scheduled to start in 2026, with the goal of full operation by 2030.
- Vehicle Depot Location: The vehicle depot will be located at the site of the Daegu slaughterhouse in Geomdan-dong, Buk-gu, which will close in April next year. This location was chosen due to its distance of more than 1 km from residential areas, minimizing potential complaints.
- Station Adjustments: The EXCO Station will be moved 150 meters north to improve accessibility. Additionally, a self-driving shuttle bus will be operated to enhance connectivity with the distribution complex and to prepare for future transfers with Line 5 (Daegu Circular Line). (Will update you more on that Line soon. And the planned Line 6 going from Padong to Hyomok.)
BENEFITS FOR EXPATS AND TOURISTS IN DAEGU
- Ease of Travel: With new direct transfer options and connections to key areas such as Kyungpook National University, Exco, and Esiapolis, expats and tourists will find it easier to reach their destinations. Trains are expected to run every 7 min during peak times and 14 min in non-peak times. End to end, expect to get from Suseong to Esiapolis (or vice versa) in about 20 min.
- Tourism Boost: The line will connect popular spots and vital facilities like Dongdaegu Station and Fatima Hospital, making it more convenient for tourists to explore the city.
With the EXCO Line/Line 4, navigating Daegu will become more straightforward, contributing to a more vibrant and connected city life for everyone.
Lots of other interesting urban planning and developments coming up in Daegu that will bring more value to the foreign community and will share here!
