Dong-gu Office (Keungogae) Station (동구청역)
Outline
Dong-gu Office Station (동구청역) in Daegu, also known by its former name Keungogae (큰고개) Station, is located on Daegu Metro Line 1. Opened on May 2, 1998, it was originally named Keungogae Station after the nearby intersection, but was renamed in March 2017 to better reflect its proximity to the Dong-gu District Office.
While the name highlights Dong-gu Office, locals note that the district office is actually a little closer to Ayanggyo Station. However, access from Dong-gu Office Station is more straightforward and flat compared to the uphill walk from Ayanggyo, making it the more practical choice for many passengers.
Station Information
- Line: Daegu Metro Line 1 (Station 136)
- Opened: May 2, 1998
- Depth: 14.4m (B2 level)
- Platform Type: Relative platforms with crossovers available
- Operator: Daegu Transportation Corporation
- Management: Dongdaegu Management Station / Customer Center 1
The station has screen doors installed (2017), a promotional display zone in the waiting area (often featuring local universities), and improved accessibility compared to neighboring deep stations like Ayanggyo.
Around the Station
- Dong-gu Office (동구청) – District government office, ~430m from Exit 4.
- Keungogae 5-Way Intersection (큰고개 오거리) – A busy traffic hub, though the station entrances are set back ~120–240m, reducing pedestrian flow.
- Dongseo Market (동서시장) – Local market area often used instead of the subway due to bus stop convenience.
- Hyomok Overpass (효목고가도로) – A major urban barrier that limits the station’s catchment potential.
Nearby are residential complexes, schools, and local businesses, but demand is cut off somewhat by the Gyeongbu rail line and overpass structure.
Station Name
- Original: Keungogae (큰고개) – meaning “Big Hill,” a nod to a slope near modern Ayang Elementary School once used by firewood sellers.
- Current: Dong-gu Office (Keungogae) – adopted in 2017 to better match the district office’s prominence.
Trivia: Keungogae Station was once the first station in Korea whose name began with the consonant ㅋ (k/ㅋ sound), until Incheon’s Campus Town Station opened in 2009.
Average Daily Passengers
Despite its central road network location, Dong-gu Office Station records ~6,271 daily riders (2024), below average for Line 1. The main reasons:
- Entrances are inconveniently offset from the main intersection.
- The Hyomok overpass divides the catchment area.
- Local residents often rely on nearby bus stops instead.
Future redevelopment in Sinam New Town (~1,600 households) and the Dongja District (~983 households) is expected to boost ridership.
Transportation Links
- Buses from Exit 3: 101-1, 401, Palgong 2 (weekends/holidays)
- Buses from Exit 4: 101, 401, Dong-gu 8
- Nearby stops: Keungogae Ogeori (to Buk-gu), Electrical Safety Corp HQ (toward Manchon), Dong-gu Office stop
For airport access, routes 101-1, 401, and Palgong 2 from Exit 3 are more comfortable here than at crowded Ayanggyo Station.
Look Around
Dong-gu Office Station sits at a strategic location between Dongdaegu Station and Ayang Bridge, serving as a quieter alternative to its busier neighbors. While often overlooked due to its misaligned entrances and lower foot traffic, it remains a key access point for residents of Sinam-dong and nearby apartment complexes.
