30 Aug 2025 2 min read daegu

Jungangno Station: Daegu’s Downtown Subway Hub

Jungangno Station (중앙로역 / 中央路駅) is one of the busiest stations on Daegu Metro Line 1, sitting directly under the city’s main shopping and entertainment district, Dongseong-ro. Since opening on November 26, 1997, it has served as the pulse point for locals, tourists, and expats navigating the heart of Daegu.

Station Quick Facts

Line: Daegu Metro Line 1 (Station Code: 131)
Location: Basement of Jungang-daero 424, Jung-gu, Daegu (Namil-dong)
Depth: 3rd basement level, ~17.9m underground
Platforms: Relative (island-style), two tracks
Operator: Daegu Transportation Corporation
Opened: November 26, 1997
Daily Ridership (2024): ~29,500 passengers (2nd busiest on Line 1)
Nearby Stations:
- Banwoldang (Transfer to Line 2) – 0.7 km southwest
- Daegu Station (KTX & Line 1) – 0.7 km northeast

Why Jungangno Matters

Unlike Banwoldang, which is the official transfer hub, Jungangno is the true commercial heart of Daegu.

Direct access to Dongseong-ro shopping street (fashion, cafés, nightlife).
Surrounded by civic and cultural landmarks: Daegu City Hall, 2·28 Memorial Park, Gyodong Market, Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Alley.
Known as the busiest single-line station in the city due to sheer foot traffic.

👉 If you want “central Daegu,” this is where you get off.

Historical Note: The 2003 Daegu Subway Disaster

On February 18, 2003, Jungangno was the epicenter of one of Korea’s worst tragedies, when an arson attack on a train caused a fire that killed 192 people.

The station was completely rebuilt and reopened by the end of 2003.
A memorial space inside the station preserves debris and blackened tiles as a reminder.
Every year on February 18 at 9:53am, train horns sound in remembrance.

This history is one reason Jungangno remains etched in the collective memory of Daegu citizens.

Station Layout & Exits

Exits 1–2: Namil-dong side (Woori Bank, Gyodong Market).
Exits 3–4: Pojeong-dong side (Daegu City Hall, Gamyeong Park).
Underground shopping mall links directly to Dongseong-ro and several cinemas (CGV, Lotte Cinema).
Notable Quirk: Narrow staircases between platform and concourse—rush hour congestion is common.

Nearby Highlights

Dongseong-ro Street: Daegu’s version of Myeongdong, packed with shops, cafés, arcades, and restaurants.
2·28 Memorial Central Park: Commemorating student protests against dictatorship.
Yangnyeongsi (약전골목): Traditional Korean medicine street dating back centuries.
Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park: Historic site of the Joseon-era provincial office.
Major Cinemas & Bookstores: CGV, Lotte Cinema, Kyobo Bookstore, Aladdin Used Books.
Pop Culture Stores: Gundam Base, comic/manga shops, arcades.

Connections

Metro: Line 1 (direct link to Daegu KTX Station, Dongdaegu Station, Banwoldang, Ansim, Seolhwa Myeonggok).
Bus Hub: Multiple trunk and express routes serve Jungang-daero, making it a cross-city access point.

Quick Tips for Visitors

Best Exit for Shopping: Exit 2 → Dongseong-ro shopping street.
Best Exit for Culture: Exit 3 → Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park & City Hall.
Expect Crowds: Seating on Line 1 is hard to find here; board at Banwoldang if you need a seat.
Navigation Tip: Go above ground if you’re unsure—underground passages can be confusing.