seoul to daegu travel time

Travels with Erica

A Solo Traveller's Guide to the World

How to Travel from Seoul to Daegu (The Easy Way!)

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Let’s talk about South Korean transportation- specifically how to travel from Seoul to Daegu. Spoiler alert: it is really easy!!

Daegu is a really cool college town in Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. It is a fun addition to your South Korean itinerary and lets you see a different side of the country you won’t find in other cities that attract tourists.

You’ll most likely travel from Seoul to Daegu, and lucky for you, it is super easy to travel between the two cities.

There are a number of different ways to travel from Seoul to Daegu, so you can choose the best option for you based on your travel style. You can take a high-speed KTX train, a slower local train, an intercity bus, or a plane. I personally recommend taking the high-speed KTX train. It is not too much more expensive than the slower train and takes half the time to travel from Seoul to Daegu.

The choice is ultimately yours and depends on your travel style, how long you have in Korea, and your budget.

In this post, I’ll cover the different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daegu, break down the pros and cons of each transportation method, and explain more in depth why I recommend the KTX as the best way to travel from Seoul to Daegu.

Table of Contents

Before We Get Started

I love writing transportation guides for you!

Trying to figure out how to travel from one city to another is one of my least favourite travel planning tasks, and I always love and appreciate when a fellow blogger has made it really easy for me to learn about how to travel from one city to another all in one place.

And that’s what I hope to do for you!

I have a few other transportation guides for Korea you may want to check out if you’re planning a trip through the country. I hope they help!

• How to Travel from Seoul to Busan
• How to Travel from Seoul to Gyeongju

Option One: Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

The KTX is the name of Korea’s high-speed rail service. KTX trains run all across the country and are my favourite way to travel around South Korea.

They are super fast and get you from point a to point b in no time. KTX trains top out at over 300km per hour, so I’m not exaggerating when I say they’re really, really fast!

The KTX trains are clean, comfortable, and have ample luggage storage room. You really can’t go wrong with booking a KTX train ticket.

How Long Does the KTX from Seoul to Daegu take?

The KTX only takes 1 hour 45 minutes to get from Seoul to Daegu. The slowest train takes closer to 2 hours, but most of the trains are closer to the 1 hour 45 mark than the 2 hour mark.

KTX trains depart from Seoul to Daegu every 20 minutes . The first train leaves at 5:30am and the last around 10pm.

It doesn’t get any more convenient than that!!

How Much Does a KTX Ticket Cost?

KTX trains have both first class and second class seats, so how much you pay for a ticket depends on where you sit.

The price of a ticket varies a little bit depending on when you travel. You’ll typically pay more on a weekend and during peak times and less during off-peak times on weekdays.

Your ticket price will also vary depending on whether you purchase your ticket in advance or purchase it last minute.

On average, you can expect to pay the following for a KTX ticket from Seoul to Daegu:

• First Class: 48,900 won or approximately $40USD
• Second Class: 34,900 won or approximately $29 USD

I don’t think you need to purchase a first class ticket for this journey. The ride is so short and the second class cars are some of the most comfortable I’ve ever experienced.

There is a pretty substantial price difference between first class and second class, and I think your money is better spent exploring Daegu than on a first class train ticket.

Where to Purchase KTX Tickets

You can either purchase your KTX tickets online or in person. My preference is to purchase them online, so I don’t have to spend any extra time at the train station standing in line to get tickets.

If you want to purchase tickets online, you simply go the Korean Rail website , search for the route you want, pick a train, and purchase your ticket.

Easy peasy!

The website has an English version, so you don’t have to worry about something getting lost in translation. It is extremely user friendly and easy for tourists to use.

The website tells you to print a copy of your ticket before getting on the train.

I always print my ticket at the hotel or an internet cafe just in case (and I’m a stickler for the rules). That being said, I know many people who have had no issue boarding a KTX train with only an electronic copy of their ticket.

If you are going to use an electronic copy of your ticket, be sure the screenshot you have of your ticket shows the complete ticket, and you’re able to enlarge it to have the QR code scanned.

The other option you have is purchasing your ticket at the train station.

There are both ticket booths where you can purchase your ticket from a human and ticket machines where you don’t have to interact with a human to buy your ticket.

Buying your ticket in person is a great option if you prefer to use cash rather than your credit card.

Do I Have to Purchase My KTX Ticket in Advance?

Excellent question.

For most routes, I always suggest you purchase your KTX ticket in advance, but this route is a little different.

Since it is such a short journey from Seoul to Daegu and trains depart so frequently, I don’t think it is essential to purchase your ticket ahead of time.

It is still a good idea though!

Purchasing your ticket in advance has a number of benefits:

• Normally costs a little less than purchasing right before boarding the train
• More likely to get the departure time you want
• There are more seat options, so you can choose where you want to sit

That being said, if you’re a spontaneous traveller, taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu is a great option for you.

There are so many trains that you’re pretty much guaranteed to get on a train that day if you just show up at the station without a plan.

You may have to wait for the next train, but you’ll never have to wait long.

Where Does the KTX Depart from in Seoul?

The only place in Seoul the KTX to Daegu departs from is Seoul Station .

Seoul Station is right in the heart of Seoul so chances are it is pretty close to where you’re staying.

Seoul Station is serviced by the metro and local buses, so you can jump on whatever is most convenient for you and get to the station no problem.

I normally stay in the Myeong-dong area and walk to Seoul Station.

Where Does the KTX Arrive at in Daegu?

The KTX arrives at the Dongdaegu Station .

Dongdaegu Station is the newest train station in Daegu and was built in 2004. It isn’t as central as the Daegu Train Station, but it is still pretty convenient.

Dongdaegu Station is located on the eastern edge of Daegu, so you’ll need to take either a taxi or the metro to get to the heart of Deagu.

Dongdaegu Station is serviced by the number 1 metro line, and you’re able to quickly get to the heart of Deagu from Dongdaegu Station without having to transfer or ride the metro for very long.

Pros of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

• Comfortable
• Lots of luggage storage

Cons of Taking the KTX from Seoul to Daegu

• More expensive than taking a slower train or the bus
• Arrives at Dongdaegu Station and requires you to take the metro into the city

Option Two: Taking a Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

The next option you have is taking a slow train from Seoul to Daegu.

The slow trains are just as comfortable and clean as the KTX trains, so they are a great option for people who are willing to save a little money and spend a lot longer on the train.

One of the only downsides of the slow train is that they don’t have the same designed luggage storage areas at the KTX trains. You have to either lift your luggage and store it on an overhead rack or store it at your feet.

It normally isn’t an issue, but it can be a problem if you have lots of luggage, heave luggage, or large luggage.

How Long Does the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu Take?

The slow train takes anywhere from 3 hours and 15 minutes to 4 hours .

It all depends on the type of train you take, how busy the train tracks are, and what time of day you leave.

You can expect to be spending at least 3 and a half hours on a slow train though.

So the slow train takes about twice as long to travel from Seoul to Daegu as the KTX. That makes a big difference if you don’t have a lot of time in South Korea.

How Much Does a Slow Train Ticket Cost?

Again, the cost of a slow train ticket varies quite a lot. It depends on what type of slow train you take, what time of day you’re travelling, and whether you’re travelling on a weekday or weekend.

The cost varies quite a bit, so it is difficult to give you an exact price you can expect to pay.

A slow train ticket from Seoul to Daegu can cost anywhere between 20,000 won and 50,000 won. That is between approximately $17 USD and $42 USD.

That’s a huge price range!

You will probably end up paying a ticket price that is somewhere between that high and low price. Most tickets are probably in the $25-$30 USD range.

As you can see from those prices, the slow train costs basically the same as the KTX. It doesn’t make sense to me to pay the same price and spend twice the amount of time on the train.

It doesn’t seem like a good deal to me. In most cases, slow trains are substantially cheaper than their high-speed counterparts, and you can justify spending a lot longer on the train because you’re saving so much money.

That isn’t the case in this situation, and it doesn’t quite make sense to me why the slow train tickets are so expensive.

Where to Purchase Slow Train Tickets

The process for purchasing slow train tickets is exactly the same as purchasing KTX tickets.

You have the option of either purchasing tickets online through the Korean Rail website or in person at the train station.

Please be cautious of third-party sites that sell train tickets. They often charge you a lot more than the official Korean Rail website.

Where Does the Slow Train Depart from in Seoul?

There are a number of different stations your slow train could depart from in Seoul. It depends on what type of train you take.

The most common station for slow trains from Seoul to Daegu to depart from is Seoul Station.

That’s excellent news for you as a tourist because Seoul Station is super easy to get to and centrally located.

Other train stations you may depart from are:

• Yeongdeungpo Station
• Suseo Station
• Yongsan Station

These three train stations are located outside of central Seoul and require you to take the metro or a bus to get to them.

If possible, you’ll want to book a ticket for a train departing from Seoul Station.

This will simplify your entire journey. You won’t have to spend ages on the metro or bus trying to get to the train station and then spend another 3 and a half to 4 hours on the train.

If you think I’m being dramatic about how long it can take to get to the train station if you’re not departing from Seoul Station, I have an example for you!

It takes about an hour to travel from central Seoul (where you’ll probably be staying) to Suseo Station.

That’s a heck of a long time to spend on buses (you’ll have to transfer buses as there is no direct route from central Seoul to Suseo Station) for a relatively short train ride.

It is worth it to spend a few extra dollars to depart from Seoul Station and not have to deal with getting to another train station.

Where Does the Slow Train Arrive at in Daegu?

As mentioned above in the KTX section, there are two train stations in Daegu:

• Daegu Station
• Dongdaegu Station

Some slow trains arrive at Daegu Station and others arrive at Dongdaegu Station. Some trains stop at both stations.

Pay attention to the arrival station when you book your ticket and try to book at ticket that stops at Daegu Station.

It is ideal to book a ticket that stops at Daegu Station since it is the centre of the city, and you can probably walk to where you’re staying.

Pros of Taking the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

• Many trains arrive at Daegu Station

Cons of Taking the Slow Train from Seoul to Daegu

• Twice as long as the KTX
• Cost the same at the KTX
• May depart from an inconvenient train station

Option Three: Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

The third option you have is to take the bus.

There is a direct bus from Seoul to Daegu, so it is a convenient alternative to taking the train.

Buses in Korea are quite nice. They are coach buses, so you get to store your luggage under the bus and not have to worry about it while you’re travelling from one city to the next.

The buses are also quite comfortable. They are modern and have reclining seats and foot rests. There are also curtains, so you can block the sun if it is too bright or hot.

All in all, the bus isn’t a bad option. It takes longer than the KTX or slow train, but it is still a comfortable and enjoyable ride.

How Long Does the Bus from Seoul to Daegu Take?

The bus ride from Seoul to Daegu takes about 4 hours .

Your travel time will, of course, depend on whether there are any traffic jams or not. Buses in Korea have a dedicated lane on the highway, so it is unlikely you will be delayed long due to traffic, but it is still a possibility.

I always recommend you give yourself a time buffer when you’re taking the bus. Don’t book anything within an hour of when you’re supposed to arrive in Daegu. This gives you ample time to get to where you need to go just in case there is a delay.

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

Bus tickets from Seoul to Daegu cost between 17,000 won and 32,500 won. That is approximately $17 USD to $27 USD.

The bus is by far the least expensive way to travel to Daegu from Seoul.

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

Just like the KTX and slow train, you can either purchase your tickets online or at the bus station.

You can purchase your bus ticket online in advance through the Korean Bus website.

The website is super user friendly and has an English option.

There are a number of advantages to booking your bus ticket online:

• 10% discount if you book 48 hours or more in advance
• 10% discount if you purchase a roundtrip ticket
• 10% discount if you book one of the back 4 seats on the bus

If you know when you want to travel from Seoul to Daegu, it pays to book your bus ticket online in advance.

Who doesn’t want to save 10% just by booking a ticket 2 days in advance?! I sure do!

You also have the option of purchasing your bus tickets at the bus station on the day of departure.

This is a great option for spontaneous people who want to show up at the station and jump on the next bus.

Unlike the KTX and train, there isn’t the option to use a ticketing machine to purchase a ticket. You have to purchase your ticket from a person.

It isn’t an issue, but you’ll want to get to the station 10-15 minutes earlier than normal just in case there is a line to purchase tickets.

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Seoul?

The departure station depends on whether you’re taking an express train or an intercity bus.

Buses from Seoul to Daegu depart from these bus stations:

• Seoul Express Bus Terminal
• Dong-Seoul Station

A word of caution if your bus departs from Seoul Express Bus Terminal, be sure you’re at the right terminal. There is another bus station called Gangnam Bus Terminal right across the street. That is not the bus station you depart from.

Both Seoul Express Bus Station and Dong-Seoul Station aren’t located in central Seoul, so you’ll have to take public transportation to get to them.

The express bus terminal is further outside central Seoul than Dong-Seoul Station, but neither are terribly convenient to get to.

Incheon International Airport

There is a direct bus from Incheon International Airport to Daegu.

It is quite convenient for people who are flying into Seoul and heading directly to Daegu who don’t want to fly.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Daegu?

The bus arrives at either East-daegu Station or West-daegu Station .

Your arrival station will depend on the bus ticket you booked. If there is a specific terminal you want to arrive at, pay attention to that

Both bus stations are located outside the city centre, and you’ll have to take a different bus to get into central Daegu.

Pros of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

• Cheapest option
• Can depart directly from Incheon International Airport
• Luggage is stored under the bus

Cons of Taking the Bus from Seoul to Daegu

• Bus stations in both Seoul and Daegu are located outside the city centre
• Takes 4 hours

Option Four: Flying from Seoul to Daegu

The final option you have is to fly from Seoul to Daegu.

I don’t really recommend this option unless you’re flying into Seoul and immediately flying to Daegu. Even in that case, it might be more time effect to take the bus from Incheon International Airport.

You have to take into consideration the time it takes to check into your flight, get through security, and wait around until your flight boards.

Once you take all of that into consideration, the bus from the airport to Daegu may end up being faster.

How Long is the Flight from Seoul to Daegu?

The length of your flight depends on whether you book a direct flight or a flight with a connection.

There aren’t too many direct flights from Seoul to Daegu, and whether or not you’re able to book a direct flight depends on what time of day you want to fly.

Most direct flights from Seoul to Daegu leave before 8am or after 6pm.

You can also book an indirect flight. Most indirect flights connect either through Jeju or Busan.

They are more expensive and take longer (duh!).

On average, you can expect a direct flight from Seoul to Daegu to take 1 hour and 10 minutes. An indirect flight normally takes 2 hours and 40 minutes but can be much longer if you have a longer layover.

How Much Does a Plane Ticket Cost?

I doubt you’re surprised to hear that it is very difficult to give you the price of a plane ticket from Seoul to Daegu.

It depends on so many factors.

• What time of year you’re travelling
• What time of day you’re departing
• Whether you have a direct flight or not
• What day of the week you’re travelling
• Whether you’re sitting in economy or business class
• Whether you booked a one-way flight or round-trip flight

So. Many. Factors!

You can expect to pay $39 USD for a one-way direct flight from Seoul to Daegu. The prices go up from there.

Where to Purchase Plane Tickets

I recommend booking your plane tickets either through your favourite third-party booking site or directly through the airline.

My strategy is to use Skyscanner to get an idea of the flights available and the cost then go to the airline’s website to compare prices.

A lot of the time the prices on the airline’s website are similar or even less expensive than the third-party site.

It is worth it to spend 15-30 minutes looking at different sites to find the best price.

You should also do your research on the third-party site before you purchase from them. Some third-party sites have a terrible reputation, and you don’t want to risk losing your money just to save $3 and book the cheapest ticket.

There needs to be a balance between an inexpensive fare and a reputable website.

Where Do Flights Depart from in Seoul?

Flights depart from both Incheon International Airport and Gimpo Airport.

You’ll probably find better fares if you fly out of Gimpo Airport, but then you would have to take the metro from Incheon International Airport (where most people land in Seoul) to Gimpo.

In that case, it is 100% worth it to take the bus from Incheon International Airport to Daegu.

Where Do Flights Arrive at in Daegu?

All flights from Seoul arrive at Daegu International Airport .

Daegu International Airport is located very close to Daegu city centre, so it is quite easy to travel from the airport to the city.

You can take the metro, and it takes about 10 minutes. You can also take a taxi or Uber, and it takes about 5 minutes.

It is always a nice treat when an airport is super close to the city, and you don’t have to spend over an hour getting from the airport to the city. I love it!

Pros of Flying from Seoul to Daegu

• Convenient if you’re arriving in South Korea at Incheon International Airport and want to go directly to Daegu
• Daegu International Airport is very close to Daegu city centre

Cons of Flying from Seoul to Daegu

• The most expensive option
• The longest option if you take into account the time it takes to check into flight, go through security, fly, and then get to Daegu city centre

My Recommendation

I think the KTX is the best way to travel from Seoul to Daegu. It is quick, convenient, and fairly priced.

I often waver between recommending the high-speed train or the slow train because there is such a difference in price, but that isn’t the case with this journey.

The slow train costs basically the same as the KTX and twice as long, so there is no advantage to choosing that method of transportation.

Plus the KTX departs from Seoul Station, and you can’t beat the convenience of that!

All around, it is hard to beat the KTX when planning a trip from Seoul to Daegu. I always take the KTX and don’t anticipate that changing anytime soon.

As you can see, there are many different ways you can travel from Seoul to Daegu. You can travel by high-speed train, slow train, bus, or plane.

It really depends on your travel style and what your needs are.

I think the KTX is the best option, but you may have another opinion. That’s the beauty of travel- it is so individual and we all have different experiences.

No matter how you choose to travel from Seoul to Daegu, you won’t regret visiting Daegu. It is a beautiful and interesting city! It is so different than Seoul and is a great place to explore to learn more about Korean culture outside of the capital.

Related Posts

• How to Travel from Seoul to Busan (The Easy Way!)
• 5 Free Things to do in Seoul, South Korea
• How to Travel from Seoul to Daejeon (The Easy Way!)

Living and traveling in Korea

A Guide To Daegu, Korea: What To See & Do

Did you know that Daegu is the hottest city in Korea? By hottest, I don’t mean the most popular place but rather that the weather is super hot. For this reason, it’s probably not the best idea to go in the summer, but there are still a lot of cool places to check out. Daegu isn’t a major tourist spot, but there are tourist attractions that are nice to see and probably won’t be too busy.

Check out this Daegu travel guide so you can plan a trip to this Korean city with 1000 year old Buddhist sites and traditional markets and some really cool cafes and restaurants to see in between.

Get ready for a trip to Daegu, Korea:

How To Get To Daegu

How to get around daegu, where to stay in daegu, what to know about daegu, suchang youth mansion (수창청춘맨숀), kim kwangseok-gil street (김광석 길 (김광석다시그리기길)), the arc cultural center (디아크문화관), donghwasa temple (daegu) (동화사(대구)), yangnyeongsi market (대구약령시), daegu alive aquarium, sparkland amusement park (스파크랜드), daegu e-world (이월드), e-world 83 tower (이월드 83타워), seomun market (서문시장), palgongsan cable car (팔공산 케이블카), paragliding, the daegu chimac festival (대구치맥페스티벌), daegu yangnyeongsi herbal medicine festival (대구약령시한방문화축제).

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

Train: Daegu is easy to reach thanks to the KTX high-speed train system in South Korea. You can get to Daegu from Seoul in 1 hour and 40 minutes. The standard fares are W34,900 and you can book online on Let’s Korail .

Express Intercity Bus:  The express bus from Seoul to Daegu takes 3 and a half hours and costs W35,200. If you want to book your bus tickets in advance, take advantage of the Trazy service that will do it for you. 

On A Tour: There are some great tour options to Daegu that include a lot of highlights and make it super easy for you so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

• Currently only available on Wednesdays.

Daegu City Tour Bus: If you want to spend a day in Daegu and don’t want to worry about transportation but want to see the highlights, Daegu has a great city tour bus! The Daegu City Tour Bus stops at 12 different tourist spots comes around every hour between 9:00am and 6:00pm. 

• You can buy your bus tickets in advance on Trazy .
• Departure Hours: Buses depart from Dongdaegu Train Station at the top of every hour for the first 7 hours starting at 9:00am.
• Stops Include: Daegu Samsung Creative Campus & Daegu Opera House, Kim Gwang-Seok Road, Dongseongno, Modern Culture Alley, Cheongna Hill Station, Seomun Market, E-World & Duryu Park, Anjirang Gopchang Alley, Mt. Apsan Observatory, Suseongmot Lake, Daegu National Museum.
• Days: This tour bus runs every day except for Monday.
• The city tour buses operate on single decker buses generally but do run double-decker buses one time per day.

Standard/Electric Bikes: Taking a bike is a great way to see more of a city. You can pick these bikes up from Yoo Hoo Bike. The rental includes the bike, helmet, and a bike lock. 

• You can pre-book and ensure you have a bike there for you on Trazy .
• Hours:  December – February: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm; March – November: 9:00am ~ 9:00pm

Daegu Marriott Hotel

Marriott Hotels are always a great choice for any weekend away in my opinion. There is great food on site, the beds are so comfortable, and you’ll always feel taken care of. This hotel is very close to Dongdaegu Station as well so great for arriving and checking right in. It’s a very convenient location and the staff are friendly, attentive, and helpful.

If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy Member, book directly on Marriott.com . Or, check the rates at Daegu Marriott Hotel on Booking.com or Agoda.com .

Daegu February Hotel Dongseongro

A boutique hotel with a ton of photo-ops, but also great helpful staff, Daegu February Hotel Dongseongro is in a great location downtown. The rooms are comfortable and there are some lovely places and spaces to sit and chat with your traveling mates in the hotel. The fitness center has great facilities and the decor is thoughtful.

Definitely check out this hotel on Booking.com or Agoda.com

Daegu is the third largest city in South Korea with a population of 2.5 million people. It was known originally as Dalgubeol, and given the name Daegu in 757. It was well known from 1960-80 for it’s electronics industry. It’s nicknamed the Apple City, because it’s humid climate is perfect for growing quality apples. Now, Daegu is still known for technology but is also known for textiles and fashion and well known in the summer among locals as the hottest place in Korea. 

What To See

Daegu isn’t often talked about as a tourist destination, but there are some really interesting places to see. If you want to do something different this weekend, head to Daegu and see what you can find. Here are some great things to see in Daegu, Korea.

Suchang Youth Mansion is an exhibition space for young artists in Daegu to show their work. It was originally a residence for mobile service company KT’s factory workers. It was used for this purpose from 1976 to 1996 and then was abandoned for 20 years. In 2016, the city of Daegu renovated it to be used as an art space. It officially opened in 2017. It now hosts various exhibitions that are available for free.

• Address: 27 Dalseong-ro 22-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구 중구 달성로22길 27)
• Days: Closed Mondays
• Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Admission: Free

This mural street near Bangcheon Market is dedicated to Kim Kwang Seok, a famous Korean folk musician dubbed “Korea’s Bob Dylan” by some. Even if you don’t know his music, you can hear it here as there are often musicians busking his songs but also the cafes in the area are commonly playing the songs too.

Born in Daegu in 1964, Kim Kwang Seok produced four popular albums in the 1980s and early 1990s, and people were moved by the emotions he conveyed in his songs about social issues. If you visit you’ll find 70 fun murals along a 350-meter-long road, cafes, restaurants, and often live music. It’s a great area to spend some time and you can eat in nearby Bang Chun Market.

• Address: 6-11 Daebong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구 중구 대봉동 6-11)

The ARC, Advanced Research Center, is a picturesque upside-down seashell. This photo-op with mountains to the east, north, and west is giant and a must-see if you’re interested in architecture. The Aymptote Studio out of New York created the pavilion for the World Expo in 2012. Visit the museum inside to learn about the Four River Restoration Project aiming to protect the ecosystem of Korea’s four major rivers – the Han River, the Nakdong River, the Geum River, the Yeong San River. Head to the top for the roof-top observation deck which is open year round and has a nice cafe there too.

• Address:  57 Gangjeongbon-gil, Dalseong-gun, Daegu (대구광역시 달성군 다사읍 강정본길 57 디아크문화관)
• Hours:  Tuesdays – Sundays: 10:00am ~ 6:00pm
• Days:  Closed Mondays and New Year’s Day
• Admission:  Free

Located on the southern side of Palgongsan Mountain, the temple you can visit today was built in 1732 though the original temple on the site was built in the 15th year of King Soji’s reign, AD 493. The main hall is beautiful but the most distinctive part of the temple complex is the huge Unification Medicine Buddha statue that towers over the temple grounds. She is amazingly beautiful. Definitely a must see as far as temples go. If you have the time, they also have a temple stay program you can join.

• Address: 1 Donghwasa 1-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (대구 동구 동화사1길 1)
• Hours: Sunrise to Sunset

The Daegu Yangnyeongsi Market is the oldest oriental medicine market in Korea. (There is also a Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market , FYI.) This market was established in 1658 and is a sight to see. There are snakes, turtle shells, bees, and honeycomb sitting aside ginseng, tree bark, and more. Do you have an ailment? There’s a traditional remedy in this market for you somewhere. There is a lot to learn about Korean holistic medicine and this is the place to do it if you’re interested.

• Address:  51-1 Namseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 중구 남성로 51-1)
• Days:  Closed Mondays, January 1st, Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok

This is the only aquarium in Daegu. There are some great aquariums in Korea and if you have kids that love their fishy friends or are interested in learning about them, this is a great place to go. This aquarium is located on the 9th floor of the Shinsegae Department Store so you’ll probably end up doing a little shopping too. 

• Closed the first Monday of every month.
• Buy your tickets online before you go because you can take advantage of great discounts. You can get discounted tickets for Daegu Alive Aquarium on Trazy .

Sparkland is located on the top three floors of Spark Mall. There are two different park sections, the Blue Zone and the Red Zone. Tickets can be bought for either park, or an all-park pass can be bought for a discount. The Red Zone is outside and includes your usual amusement park attractions, like a ferris wheel or a merry-go-round.

My favorite ride to go on when we visited was the sky swing. This swing fits four people at a time and swings out over the side of the building. It’s pretty simple, but still fun to go on with your friends. Most of the bigger rides in the Red Zone open at 4:00pm, so if you want to go there, it’s best to go in the evening.

The Blue Zone is indoors and has more tech-based attractions, so it’s much more like an arcade than an amusement park. There are three different VR experiences, which are very popular lately. There’s also virtual archery and firearm shooting, and a virtual baseball batting section. There’s even a section of more active attractions akin to obstacle courses and climbing walls.

• Address: 7~9th floor, Taewangspark, 61 Dongseong-ro 6-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구 중구 동성로6길 61 태왕스파크 7~9층)
• Days: Every Day
• Blue Zone: Weekdays: 12:00pm ~ 10:00pm; Weekends and Holidays: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm
• Red Zone: Mondays – Thursdays: 12:00pm ~ 10:00pm; Fridays: 12:00pm ~ 11:00pm; Sundays: 11:30am ~ 10:00pm
• Admission: Ranges from W13,000 to W35,000 depending on how long you want to stay, which zone you want to be in, and how many rides you want to go on.
• Note: If you only have an hour, the 3 ride Red Zone pass for W11,000 is a good pick)

Want a major amusement park experience? Daegu’s E-World is made up of 4 outdoor amusement parks: Fantasy World, Magic World, Adventure World, and Dynamic World. Let the kids jump onto the Flying Elephant, Cocomong Airplane, Cocomongn Ferris Wheel, and Merry Go Round, eat some lunch and then check out the Boomerang, Magic Express. If you’ve got bigger kids or want something for you, jump onto the Cambel Back rollercoaster, Top Spin, Viking, Tambourine, Hurricane, and definitely don’t miss the Megaswing 360.

• Address:  200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200 (두류동))
• Hours:  10:30am ~ 9:00pm
• Make sure to buy tickets online before you go to take advantage of the discounts online. Trazy has discounted combo tickets to Daegu’s E World and 83 Tower . They also offer discounted tickets to evening entrance.

Take in the city views from this symbol of Daegu. The tower has a revolving restaurant and sky lounge where you can have food and views all in one go. 

• Address: 200 Duryugongwon-ro, Dalseo-gu, Daegu (대구광역시 달서구 두류공원로 200 (두류동))
• Make sure to buy tickets online before you go to take advantage of the discounts online. Trazy has discounted tickets to 83 Tower . Additionally, they offer a combo ticket if you plan to visit 83 Tower and E-World.
• Note that you can get a 50% discount on the last Wednesday of the month which is Culture Day in Korea.

Seomun Market is the biggest market in Gyeongsang Province, where Daegu is located, and the night market, that opened in 2016, is the largest in all of Korea. There are sections selling jewelry and clothes, but the real attraction at the night market is the food. While you’re there, you should definitely try yukjeon (육전), which is pan-fried battered beef.

There’s also a stage at the market where you might see a performance. It’s perfect to watch while you’re eating, and super entertaining too. While we were there, there was a hiphop dance performance going on, but according to the website, there’s also traditional music and lightshows, so it seems there’s a lot of variety in the kinds of performances put on at the market.

• Address: 65 Keunjang-ro 26-gil, Jung-gu, Daegu (대구 중구 큰장로26길 65)
• Hours: Summer: Sundays – Thursdays: 9:00am ~ 11:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays: 9:00pm ~ 12:00am; Winter: Sundays – Thursdays: 9:00am ~ 10:30pm; Fridays & Saturdays: 9:00am ~ 11:30pm

Grab a ticket and take the cable car up to the top of Mt. Palgong which is a sacred site in northeastern Daegu. There are Buddhist temples, Confucian traces, and even Catholic religious sites on this mountain. The cable car will take you up to the top of Sinnimbong Peak of Palgongsan Mountain. If you like cable car rides, there are a ton in Korea to choose from. Check out this guide to 18 cable cars in Korea to find . 

• Address: 51 Palgongsan-ro 185-gil, Dong-gu, Daegu (대구 동구 팔공산로185길 51)
• Hours: Tuesdays – Sundays: 9:30am ~ 5:00pm-7:00pm. The closing time changes depending on the season.
• Admission: Adults: One way: W7,500; Round Trip: W11,000; Children: One Way: W4,000; Round Trip: W6,000

Korea has some spectacular places to paraglide. With numerous mountains to leap off of, you can get some amazing views and feel like you’re flying through the sky. In Daegu, you can glide through the air safely attached to an experienced instructor and see Daegu from above. Additionally, they take some fun pictures and video of you… will you be screaming or smiling?

• You can book this experience on Trazy to ensure they have a time reserved for you.

Daegu Events To Check Out

Most places in Korea have some sort of traditional claim to fame like Jeonju and bibimbap for example. Daegu… well, Daegu is famous for their fried chicken and beer. I’m not really sure if they’re famous for it actually, but they did claim the duo for their own festival. The annual chicken/beer festival takes place in July and as you can imagine there is a lot of eating and drinking and drinking and eating and it’s in the summer when Daegu is the hottest of the hot. Get ready for some fun!

• When:  Usually in July

As mentioned above, the Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market is the largest herbal medicine market in the country and has a great festival to celebrate their holistic know-how. Visit and try a variety of holistic herbal experiences from relaxing to curative. I’ve visited the festival at the Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market and there was so much to learn and it was really a great experience so do check it out if you can.

• When:  Usually in the beginning of May.

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Hi Hallie, I’m preparing to go on holidays to Korea and your blog has been very helpful, thank you very much for your work! I will spend a couple of weeks in the country, stopping in Seoul, Gyeongju and Busan. I would also like to add one more stop between Seoul and Gyeongju, I am doubting between Andong (including the Hahoe Folk Village) or Daegu (including the Haeinsa Temple), which one would you recommend more? It is my first time visiting Korea. Thank you!

Hallie Bradley

Oh two very good choices. If you’ve got a whole day, the Andong Hahoe Village would be a good stop I think. Plenty to do there and see and nice places to sit by the river and relax too. I hope you have a great trip to Korea!

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Seoul to Daegu

Best options, other options, seoul to daegu schedule, transportation from seoul to daegu.

• Trains RUB 1,985
• Flights RUB 3,773
• Buses are not available
• Ferries are not available
• Taxis are not available
• Vans are not available

Facts about the transport from Seoul to Daegu

Popular routes.

• Seoul → Busan
• Seoul → Jeju
• Seoul → Andong
• Seoul → Gwangju
• Seoul → Jeonju
• Busan → Seoul
• Jeju → Seoul
• Daegu → Seoul
• Bangkok → Seoul
• Kuala Lumpur → Seoul
• Daegu → Busan
• Daegu → Gyeongju
• Daegu → Pohang
• Daegu → Gwangju
• Busan → Daegu
• Incheon → Daegu
• Incheon Airport → Daegu
• Gyeongju → Daegu
• Andong → Daegu

Popular Routes in South Korea

• Busan → Jeju
• Mokpo → Jeju

How to get from Seoul to Daegu

When you want to get from Seoul to Daegu, you have a few options to consider. Traveling between these destinations is possible by different means of transport:

If you’re looking for a quick trip, it’s recommended that you use Train. However, if you’d rather take your time with a slower, more affordable travel option, you can book a Flight ticket.

The cost of travel will depend on the means of transport you choose for your trip. A Train ticket is the most expensive option - it will cost you about RUB 2,737 . If you want to save on transportation, it’s better to take a train as a train ticket costs as low as RUB 1,985 .

How far is Seoul from Daegu?

If you’re traveling by land, it’s important to know the distance from Seoul to Daegu. Your trip will be a total of 105 miles (168 km). The flying distance is 105 miles (168 km).

How long does it take to get from Seoul to Daegu?

The travel time from Seoul to Daegu can vary depending on the mode of transportation you choose. All things considered, the whole journey should take from 4 to 16 hours.

How much does it cost to get from Seoul to Daegu?

The cost of the trip from Seoul to Daegu varies according to what means of transport you choose for your journey. The most affordable operator is Mugunghwa ho: travelling by train expect to pay as low as RUB 1,985 for your ticket.

However, if you’re after more upscale travel . The most expensive variant is to opt for a Train - a one-way Train ticket can cost as much as RUB 2,737 .

Here is a chart of the average ticket prices and transportation options available from Seoul to Daegu:

• Train tickets - RUB 1,985 to RUB 2,737 ;
• flight price: RUB 3,773 - RUB 4,069 . From Seoul to Daegu starting from 17:50 Gimpo Airport until 19:20 Gimpo Airport

How many trips per day are there between Seoul and Daegu?

Depending on your choice of transportation, the number of daily trips varies.

• Trains always run on a set schedule - there are 20 trains per day.

Which means of transport is the best for the route?

How to choose the most convenient way of travel from Seoul to Daegu? In order to make your choice of transportation easier, we asked 1000 users to range their preferences for this route. Here are the results of the poll:

• 100% users enjoyed a train ride.
• South Korea 🎫
• Transport Options

Daegu to Seoul: Ultimate Routes & Must-See Attractions

 Traveling from Daegu to Seoul is one of the best ways to truly experience Korea. Daegu, situated in the Yeongnam region of our country, is a wonderful city where tradition and modernity coexist. It attracts many visitors throughout the year. On the other hand, Seoul is the heart of our country. It serves as the center of history, culture, and economy, always offering new adventures and stories to travelers from both home and abroad. The journey from Daegu to Seoul is more than just connecting two points. It’s a unique opportunity to directly see and feel the diverse cultures and traditions of Korea, as well as its changing society. From the old markets of Daegu to the tall buildings of Seoul, traveling between these two cities is like exploring the spirit of Korea.

Table of Contents

How far is daegu from seoul.

Daegu and Seoul are approximately 300km apart. Traveling by KTX allows for a convenient and quick journey of about 2 hours between the two cities, making it a popular choice. By car, the journey can take around 4 hours , with options for buses and flights also available, allowing travelers to choose based on their needs and preferences.

How to Get from Daegu to Seoul

Ktx from daegu to seoul.

One of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel from Daegu to Seoul is by using the KTX, the high-speed train . In Daegu, there are two train stations available for travelers: Seo-Daegu Station and Dong-Daegu Station , allowing passengers to choose the station closest to their location. Reservations can easily be made through the official website or mobile app of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) . After accessing the website, select the departure station (either Seo-Daegu Station or Dong-Daegu Station ) and the destination ( Seoul ), then enter the desired date and time for your trip. Booking in advance allows you to secure your preferred seats , and sometimes you can also benefit from online reservation discounts .

Travel time and fees

Traveling from Daegu to Seoul using the KTX covers the distance in approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours , depending on various factors such as the number of stops a particular train makes or the time of day it operates.

As for the cost, fares fluctuate between 44,000 KRW to 62,000 KRW , varying based on the class of seat chosen (standard or first-class) and the time of travel (peak or off-peak hours). Different seat classes offer additional comfort and services, enhancing the travel experience.

Reservations can be made through the official website or mobile app of the Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL), with advance online booking recommended. This allows securing preferred seats early and the opportunity to avail of discounts based on the booking conditions . Utilizing a KORAIL membership card or various discount cards can offer tickets at prices lower than the regular fare. There are several discount options available, such as early booking discounts, youth and children discounts, and senior discounts, so taking full advantage of these can be beneficial.

Moreover, checking the current booking status, real-time train schedules , and fare information via the website or app can significantly assist in planning your trip. Adequately preparing and reviewing this information before traveling can ensure a more convenient and cost-effective journey.

Departure Times and Frequency

The KTX from Daegu to Seoul operates several times throughout the day. The first train departs early in the morning and continues until late at night, with trains leaving at intervals of 15 to 30 minutes during peak times. This allows you to choose the most suitable time for your travel plan. It is advisable to book in advance , especially on weekends and holidays , when many people travel.

Additional Useful Information

When using the KTX , don’t forget to print your ticket or prepare your mobile ticket . Additionally, free Wi-Fi service is available on the train, allowing you to freely use the internet during your journey. There is also a café car on the train selling simple beverages and snacks, making your trip more comfortable.

Buses from Daegu to Seoul

Departure: Daegu Complex Terminal

The journey by bus from Daegu to Seoul typically begins at the Daegu Complex Terminal . This terminal is located in the heart of Daegu and serves as a major transportation hub for buses heading to various regions. The Daegu Complex Terminal handles both express and intercity buses, offering easy access not only to different areas within Daegu but also to nearby cities. Within the terminal, you’ll find a range of facilities and amenities such as restaurants and shops, adding convenience to your travel experience.

Arrival: Seoul Express Bus Terminal

Buses departing from Daegu for Seoul mainly arrive at one of two terminals, with the Seoul Express Bus Terminal being one of them. Situated in Gangnam District, this terminal is a key transportation hub in Seoul, with connections to multiple subway lines, making it extremely convenient for further travel within Seoul. The area around the terminal is equipped with various dining, shopping, and accommodation facilities, providing travelers with convenient services.

Arrival: Dong Seoul Bus Terminal

Another destination for buses from Daegu is the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, located near Gangbyeon Station. This terminal offers excellent accessibility to the eastern regions of Seoul. Like the Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Dong Seoul Terminal acts as a major gateway for travel within and outside Seoul, surrounded by a variety of amenities for travelers’ convenience.

Travel Time and Fees

The journey by bus from Daegu to Seoul typically takes about 3 to 4 hours , depending on traffic conditions. Fares range from approximately 23,000 KRW to 33,000 KRW , varying based on the bus type (standard or premium) and the time of travel. Premium buses offer more comfort and services, such as wider seats and Wi-Fi , enhancing the travel experience.

Buses from Daegu to Seoul operate frequently throughout the day, with departures roughly every 30 minutes to an hour . The first bus departs early in the morning, and the last bus leaves late at night, providing flexibility to fit various travel schedules. It’s advisable to book your ticket in advance , especially during peak travel times like weekends and holidays, to ensure availability.

When traveling by bus, consider arriving at the terminal before departure time to secure a seat and avoid any last-minute rush. Most buses are equipped with amenities such as air conditioning, reclining seats, and sometimes Wi-Fi , ensuring a comfortable journey. 

Traveling by Car from Daegu to Seoul

Traveling by car from Daegu to Seoul is one of the journeys that span across South Korea. The most common route is following the Gyeongbu Expressway . This path starts from Daegu, passes through Cheongju and Daejeon , and leads up to Seoul. It is one of the oldest and most significant expressways in Korea, crossing scenic areas and several major cities .

Estimated Travel Time and Toll Fees

The travel time by car from Daegu to Seoul typically ranges from about 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours , varying based on road conditions, traffic congestion, and driving speed. The toll fee for using the Gyeongbu Expressway is roughly between 20,000 KRW to 25,000 KRW . However, costs can vary depending on your departure time and chosen route , so it’s advisable to check the current road conditions and toll fees before you depart .

Car travel offers the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful landscapes between Daegu and Seoul. It gives you the freedom to stop and enjoy the scenery, visit restaurants, or explore hidden gems along the way. However, long travel times, toll fees, and parking space challenges must be considered. 

Flights from Daegu to Seoul

For those looking for the quickest way to travel from Daegu to Seoul, taking a domestic flight could be the ideal choice. Daegu International Airport offers flights to Gimpo International Airport in Seoul, efficiently connecting the two cities . This route is served by several airlines , providing passengers with a variety of options to choose from based on their schedule and budget.

The flight time from Daegu to Seoul is approximately 1 hour , making it the fastest mode of transportation between the two cities. Fares for these flights vary , typically ranging from 60,000 KRW to 120,000 KRW , depending on the airline, time of booking , and class of service. It’s worth noting that prices can fluctuate significantly based on demand , especially during peak travel seasons or around holidays .

Reservation Tips

Booking a flight from Daegu to Seoul is straightforward , with options to purchase tickets directly from airline websites , through travel agencies , or via online travel booking platforms . To secure the best deals , it’s advisable to book your flight well in advance . Many airlines also offer promotions and discounts for early bookings , last-minute deals , and off-peak travel times .

When searching for flights, consider flexible travel dates if your schedule allows, as this can lead to more affordable options . Additionally, signing up for airline newsletters or loyalty programs can provide access to exclusive discounts and rewards points that can be used towards future travel.

For the most hassle-free experience , check-in online and review the airline’s baggage policy before your travel date. This ensures you’re prepared with the right luggage size and weight, avoiding any unexpected fees at the airport.

Daegu International Airport and Gimpo International Airport are well-connected to their respective city centers, offering various transportation options such as buses, taxis, and, in Seoul’s case, a convenient subway connection. This makes it easy to continue your journey upon arrival.

Seasonal Travel Recommendations

Spring (March-May): The City of Flowers

In spring, both Daegu and Seoul are bursting with flowers. Before leaving Daegu, it’s a great idea to visit Palgongsan to enjoy the cherry blossoms. Upon arrival in Seoul, walking along the cherry blossom paths of Yeouido Yunjung-ro or enjoying the spring flowers in Seoul Forest can be delightful. The warm weather and beautiful blooms of spring will make you forget all about the fatigue of travel.

Summer (June-August): Cool Summers

Summer is the season to escape the heat and find somewhere cool . In Daegu, enjoy an evening stroll around Suseong Lake or take a drive to Palgongsan . Once in Seoul, catching the breeze in Han River parks or walking along the cool stream of Cheonggyecheon are excellent choices. Seoul’s summer nights are lively with various outdoor activities and festivals .

Autumn (September-November): A Feast of Fall Foliage

Autumn is one of the best seasons to travel between Daegu and Seoul. In Daegu, enjoy the autumn leaves at Donghwasa , and as you head to Seoul, soak in the autumn scenery from Namsan . The cool breeze and splendid fall foliage will captivate the heart of any traveler.

Winter (December-February): The Charm of a Winter Wonderland

During winter, you can enjoy the winter scenery as you travel from Daegu to Seoul. In Daegu, wander along Kim Kwang-seok Street to feel the winter atmosphere, and in Seoul, view the snow-covered cityscape from Namsan Tower . Additionally, Seoul’s winter festivals and light festivals will warm up the cold winter nights.

Enchanting Tourist Destinations

Daegu’s must-visit attractions.

Donghwasa Temple

No trip to Daegu would be complete without visiting Donghwasa Temple. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Palgongsan, this serene and sacred site offers peace and healing to visitors with its centuries-old Buddhist history. The temple’s vibrant Dancheong (Korean decorative paintwork), majestic Buddha statues, and surrounding natural scenery combine to create an ideal setting for those seeking inner peace.

Suseong Lake

A beloved haven for Daegu citizens, Suseong Lake is a beautiful park adorned with clear waters and lush trees. Perfect for strolling, jogging, or simply admiring nature’s beauty, the park also boasts cafes and restaurants nearby, making it a great place to relax and unwind. At night, the surrounding lights of Suseong Lake create an enchanting atmosphere, offering a different charm from the daytime.

Dongseong-ro Street

Daegu’s Dongseong-ro Street is a vibrant area brimming with youth and energy. Packed with diverse shopping options, delicious restaurants, and trendy cafes, it is one of the liveliest spots in Daegu. Art installations and street performances scattered throughout the street add to its unique charm, delighting visitors with unexpected encounters. Here, you can experience Daegu’s unique culture and embrace the latest trends.

Seoul’s Must-Visit Attractions

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Located in the heart of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung Palace stands as a testament to Korea’s rich history and culture. This magnificent palace complex houses well-preserved Joseon Dynasty architecture and gardens, allowing visitors to step back in time. While wandering through Gyeongbokgung, you can catch a glimpse of the past amidst visitors dressed in traditional Hanbok, and delve into the palace’s hidden stories through guided tours.

Seoul’s Hongdae district is a vibrant hub of creativity and freedom, brimming with unique artwork and quirky shops. Renowned for its street performances by young artists and musicians, Hongdae offers a constant stream of entertainment for visitors. The area’s cafes, bars, and clubs make it a perfect spot to experience Seoul’s vibrant nightlife and immerse yourself in the youthful energy.

Dongdaemun Fashion Shopping

For fashion enthusiasts, Dongdaemun Market is a must-visit destination in Seoul. This bustling marketplace is packed with countless shops offering a wide variety of clothes, accessories, and shoes at affordable prices. Dongdaemun caters to both individual shoppers and bulk buyers, featuring a mix of wholesale and retail stores. Operating day and night, it is one of the most energetic shopping districts in Seoul.

Insadong Street

Located in the heart of Seoul, this street is lined with shops brimming with antiques, traditional crafts, and art galleries. Visitors can wander through the narrow alleys and discover a treasure trove of unique items, from intricate hanbok (Korean traditional garments) and delicate tea sets to hand-painted scrolls and exquisite ceramics.

Bukchon Hanok Village

Nestled amidst the bustling metropolis of Seoul lies Bukchon Hanok Village, Visitors can stroll along the narrow alleys and admire the architectural beauty of these houses, some dating back centuries. Bukchon Hanok Village offers a glimpse into a bygone era, providing a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

The journey from Daegu to Seoul is more than just traveling distance; it’s an opportunity to experience the diverse culture and history of South Korea’s fast-paced landscape. From the traditional charm of Daegu to the modern bustle of Seoul, you’ll experience the many facets of Korea. I traveled from Daegu to Seoul by train, with a half-day stopover in Daejeon. It was a short trip, but I’m glad I did. I hope you’ll make new discoveries and happy memories.

Korean Birth Flowers for Each Month and Their Powerful Symbolism

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Seoul to Daegu Train

Seoul to daegu train schedule, seoul to daegu train tickets, seoul to daegu railway route map.

Train from Seoul to Daegu: What You Need to Know

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Train from Seoul to Daegu

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Seoul to Daegu Train Times

Find you the train timetables from Seoul to Daegu for today or tomorrow. You can also search for other dates to view the time information of other trains.

Today 06:10, Sun, Apr 28

Train 1201-Mugunghwa is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 0km/h.

Train 1001-ITX-Saemaul is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 150km/h.

Train 1203-Mugunghwa is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 0km/h.

Train 1021-ITX-Saemaul is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 150km/h.

Train 1205-Mugunghwa is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 0km/h.

Train 1003-ITX-Saemaul is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 150km/h.

Train 1031-ITX-Saemaul is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 150km/h.

Train 1207-Mugunghwa is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 0km/h.

Train 1005-ITX-Saemaul is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 150km/h.

Train 1101-ITX-Heart is operated by Korail. The speed of this train is 0km/h.

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Seoul to Daegu train FAQs

When is the first train from seoul to daegu.

The first train from Seoul to Daegu is at 05:53.

Are there direct trains from Seoul to Daegu?

Yes, there are direct trains from Seoul to Daegu, operated by Korail.

How long is the train journey from Seoul to Daegu ?

The train journey from Seoul to Daegu typically takes an average of 3h 42m, with the fastest journey duration being around 3h 20m.

What times are off-peak trains from Seoul to Daegu ?

In general, the off-peak period typically starts after 09:30 and excludes the evening rush hours of 15:30-18:15 for travel to and from major cities. The specific times may differ depending on the route and train company, but generally, you can expect off-peak times to fall outside the usual commuting hours. For Transport for London, off-peak times are observed on weekdays from the first service until 06:30, from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.

Seoul to Daegu Train Journey Information

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Travel time from Seoul to Daegu

How long does it really take to fly from Seoul to Daegu? Here's a sample itinerary for a commercial flight plan. If you want to know the total travel time to reach Daegu, you need to include time at the airports. Eventually, you'll be able to customize this itinerary to select other nearby airports and choose your preferred airline.

Tuesday, 4:05 pm :  start in Seoul drive for about 1.5 hours most airlines recommend you get to the airport at least 90 minutes before your flight, so arrive by 6:30 pm at the latest

6:05 pm :  get your boarding pass and go through TSA security allow enough time for long security lines during busy travel seasons or holidays, and prepare for the wait time

7:05 pm :  arrive at the gate once you're ready to board, you can get something to eat in the airport or just relax near the gate

7:35 pm :  prepare for boarding check your boarding pass for your group number or listen to the gate agent as they announce boarding, some airlines require you to be in the boarding area 10-15 minutes before departure or risk losing your seat

7:50 pm :  board Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. flight you can scroll down to view other airlines that fly this route

8:00 pm :  this is your scheduled departure time but remember flights can be delayed, so take that into account it takes the plane an average of 15 minutes to taxi to the runway

8:15 pm :  wheels up! take-off from ICN fly for about 5 minutes in the air

8:15 pm (local time) :   Taegu International (TAE) Daegu is the same time as Seoul taxi on the runway for an average of 15 minutes to the gate

8:30 pm (local time) :  arrive at the gate at TAE deboard the plane, and claim any baggage if you're renting a car, check if you need to take a shuttle to car rental agency, otherwise you can ride in a cab, limo, or Uber for about 9 minutes to your destination

8:39 pm (local time) :  arrive in Daegu

Now finally, let's look at an example flight from to and figure out how long it would take to fly including take-off and landing, and time to taxi on the runway.

So now we can finally get an idea of the total travel time from Seoul to Daegu including time spent getting to/from the airports, an estimated wait time of 2 hours at the airport for TSA security lines and waiting at the gate, and the actual flight itself.

Total travel time: 4 hours

How far is Daegu from Seoul? Here's the quick answer if you have a private jet and you can fly in the fastest possible straight line.

Flight distance: 148 miles or 238 km

Flight time:

Compare this to a whole day of commercial travel with the airports and waiting in line for security.

Because of the curvature of the Earth, the shortest distance is actually the "great circle" distance, or "as the crow flies" which is calculated using an iterative Vincenty formula.

This is a relatively short flight in a private plane, but you might be planning to book a commercial flight. In that case, your travel time would really need to include how many minutes to get to your local airport, wait for security, board and taxi on the runway, land at the other airport, and get to your destination. The flight itinerary at the top of the page takes into account all these factors to get a more accurate estimate of your actual flight time .

• Daegu Airport
• Pohang Airport
• Ulsan Airport

The most common route is ICN to TAE, so that's what we used in the sample itinerary. However, you may want to explore travel alternatives, you could try one of these routes:

• ICN to TAE Incheon International to Taegu International
• ICN to KPO Incheon International to Pohang Airport
• ICN to USN Incheon International to Ulsan Airport
• GMP to TAE Gimpo International to Taegu International
• GMP to USN Gimpo International to Ulsan Airport
• SSN to TAE Seoul AB to Taegu International
• GMP to KPO Gimpo International to Pohang Airport
• SSN to KPO Seoul AB to Pohang Airport
• SSN to USN Seoul AB to Ulsan Airport

We picked Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. for your main flight, but there are other airlines that you should check if you're looking for the cheapest flight, or you need a different schedule. Check the websites of these airlines:

• Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd. (KE)
• Asiana Airlines Inc. (OZ)

Trippy has a ton of information that can help you plan your trip to Daegu, South Korea. Start by reading the Trippy page on where to stay in Daegu . Click the button below to explore Daegu in detail.

The distance is the same either way if you're flying a straight line. But for a real trip, there can be plenty of differences so go ahead and check the reverse flight itinerary to fly from Daegu to Seoul , or go to the main page to calculate other flight times .

If you happen to know Seoul, don't forget to help other travelers and answer some questions about Seoul!

• Seoul to Daegu

How to get from Seoul to Daegu

Seoul to daegu trip overview.

Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.

Travel Schedule Options from Seoul to Daegu

About the ride from Seoul to Daegu

Seoul to daegu route information.

The distance between Seoul and Daegu is 149 miles, or approximately 238 kilometers.

The only way to get from Seoul to Daegu is by Train

The earliest departure leaves at 21:02 and has a duration of 1 hour 58 minutes.

The fastest way to travel is by train, which takes approximately 1 hour 41 minutes.

Seoul to Daegu by train

• Starting Price: $22
• 183 departures a day, or 1281 departures a week

There are 2 travel classes for this journey, including: Second Class Seat and First Class.

Each train ticket offers an individual seat with basic passenger necessities. Conditions and amenities vary by provider. For more detailed information and availability see all options.

Companies Operating from Seoul to Daegu

Average time

1h 41m - 2h 33m

Average price

1h 41m - 1h 58m

3h 44m - 4h 15m

3h 20m - 3h 32m

3h 24m - 3h 43m

Popular stations and stops in Seoul and Daegu

Departure stations in seoul.

Seoul - Any hotel

Arrival stations in Daegu

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TRAVELING ELSEWHERE?

Getting to Seoul from Daegu & Incheon International Airport

Last Updated on July 19, 2019 by Christine Kaaloa

Getting from Seoul to Daegu is what every new Daegu expat (and traveler of Korea) wants to know.  Landlocked between mountains, I’ve found there’s only so many things to do in Daegu. As an EPIK English teacher living in Daegu , a mere two to four hours away,  a weekend in Seoul is a lovely Korea vacation in itself.

Table of Contents: Getting to Seoul from Daegu & Incheon International Airport

• 1 Taking the Express Bus in Korea
• 2.1 Taking the Express Bus to Seoul from Daegu (the cheap option)
• 3 Where is the Daegu Express Bus Terminal ?
• 4 How to book your express bus to Seoul
• 5.0.1 Seoul (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line- 경부/영동) vs Dong Seoul
• 5.1 Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line)
• 5.2 Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (East or Gangbyeon)
• 6.1 Mungunghwa train to Seoul (the cheapest and slowest train)
• 6.2 Taking KTX from Daegu to Seoul Station (pricy, but speediest option)
• 7 Luggage storage in Seoul Station & Subway?
• 8.1 Airport Limousine Bus from Daegu
• 8.2.1 Getting to Seoul from Daegu… how do you do it?

Taking the Express Bus in Korea

The Korea express bus (aka kosok/gosok boseu ) is a comfortable and cost-efficient way to travel long-distance in Korea. Express buses are reliable, cheap and fast. Korea express buses are run by private companies so some may be a little nicer than others, but in the end, it’s all still good.  Bus companies servicing Daegu will be either Kumho, Dongyang, Jungang, Choneil, or Samhwa .

There are two types of express buses in Korea

There are two types of express buses in Korea:  regular express bus and deluxe express bus. The latter is a small upgrade like cloth seats, shared satellite TV or DVD and slightly more spacious seats. The cost difference is roughly around 5,000 won (approx $4 -$5).

Remember, Gangnam Style? The inside of that bus was the inside of a deluxe express bus. Midway, it makes a rest stop at a rest station, where you can get out, stretch your legs, use the restroom and buy snacks. There are no bathrooms on the bus, so if you have a small bladder, you may want to rethink this choice.

The seating won’t be as spacious as a train, but this difference isn’t by much. But there is a next pouch in front of you for you to store things small things and sometimes, a drink holder. There is luggage storage available overhead for small items like brief case or day pack and the underneath cab of the bus is for large luggage.

Buses in Korea are punctual. They leave exactly on the minute. I appreciate this, but not when i’m running late.

Taking the Express Bus to Seoul from Daegu (the cheap option)

 I  often book my bus ticket the day of travel. If the bus is full, I catch the next bus. So if I’m concerned with time or if it’s a holiday,  I try my best to buy my bus tickets in advance. If you’re traveling during a holiday, seats will be sold out early; definitely make reservations early.

There is no on-board bathroom in the bus but the bus driver will make one rest stop 1/3 way from Seoul.

This is the cheapest way to get to Seoul and equally as comfortable as the train. It also takes the same amount of time as the Mungunghwa (slow train) but not as fast as the KTX .

Where is the Daegu Express Bus Terminal ?

This one took me a while to figure out – there are four major bus stations in Daegu and they all serve different regions of Korea. The south bus station serves south of Daegu, north bus services the north of Daegu and … you get the picture. For Seoul or Busan , you’ll need the  Daegu Express Bus Terminal and it is located across the street from Dongdaegu metro station (the same station for the KTX train ). Do not get the bus terminal confused with the smaller bus station next door to the metro station– this is for smaller long-distance towns.

How to book your express bus to Seoul

  Kobus.co.kr is the main online site for making reservations online. At the time of writing, you needed a Korean credit card in order to make any online purchases from Korean companies. If you cannot book your ticket, you need to go down to Daegu Express Bus Terminal in person to buy the ticket yourself.

Korean transportation sites aren’t easy for foreigners or tourists. They’re made for Koreans and often they list stations by region. Most foreigners don’t know the Korea regions unless they have a map. So instead, the keywords are:

Dongdaegu (that is Daegu or the main terminal station)

Seoul gyeongbu or east, [feature-box] travel essentials: get your 4g sim card  for korea   or here (kr airport pick up) [/feature-box], arriving at seoul express bus terminal, seoul (gyeongbu/yeongdong line- 경부/영동) vs dong seoul.

Seoul Express Bus Terminal has two express bus stations : Seoul (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line- 경부/영동) vs Dong Seoul

I have gone to both stations. Cost of a one-way ticket is approx. 15,500 W for General and 17,000W for Excellent and will take 3 hrs and 40min.

Express Bus Terminal (Gyeongbu/Yeongdong Line)

The  bus enters into (Seoul’s) Express Bus Terminal which is the larger and busier station. This terminal has its own Express Bus Terminal subway stop (Line 7, Brown Line) which is approx. a 5-8 minute walk downstairs to the subway. I enter this terminal more often and I like that it has a large underground mall. I don’t like it because it is very big and between the large underground mall and station, I’m hitting traffic and running a long way dodging traffic to make it back to my bus on time.

Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (East or Gangbyeon)

Dong Seoul station (East or Gangbyeon) is a smaller station located on the eastern side of Seoul and is adjacent to Gangbyeon Subway Station,  a 5 minute walk. You’ll need to ask for directions to re-orient yourself.

Leaving Daegu

Getting from Daegu to Seoul by Train

Taking the train Mungunghwa to KTX will cost you anywhere from 20,000W to 50,000W one way.  There are two train stations in Daegu – Daegu and Dong Daegu.

All trains come into Daegu and Dong Daegu Stations.

Mungunghwa train to Seoul (the cheapest and slowest train)

The cheapest train tickets cost 16,000W for standing room on the Mungunghwa train ,  a four hour ride! The cheaper and slower Mungunghwa does not ensure speed over the bus. In fact, its slower and more expensive, but it has a toilet on-board.

Taking KTX from Daegu to Seoul Station (pricy, but speediest option)

Getting from Daegu to Seoul by KTX train will take approximately 2 hours. If you’re traveling with a group, then buy a set of four tickets and you will get a  50% discount. It is actually cheaper than buying three single tickets.  Seats are comfortable and you will depart from Dongdaegu Station to arrive directly into Seoul Station .  Korail website: http://ww w.korail.com/ (English site avail)

Note: Unless you have a Korea credit card, you will not be able to make reservations but must go the station in person.

Luggage storage in Seoul Station & Subway?

Seoul Station is large. There are storage lockers from carry on to full luggage size. Seoul Station looks like a luxury mall and has some stores in it too (i.e. Lotte Mart, Smoothie King, etc…)

Both stations have their own subway stop and offer lockers to store luggage in, but it doesn’t always guarantee an empty locker. There are other passengers who have the same idea as you. When you arrive, look for a locker with a key hanging from it. If there are no visible keys and they are all taken, that signals that lockers are full. In Seoul, your secondary bet is to go downstairs to the subway lockers of which there are a few.  Koreans like to use the lockers, not only to store bags and luggage but to drop off things for others to pickup.

…which is good to know there’s that kind of service available in a subway station!

Getting To Incheon International Airport

Airport limousine bus from daegu.

You can buy tickets for the airport bus from Daegu to Incheon International Airport.  You can buy tickets and catch the bus from Daegu Express Bus Terminal.

Need a lift from Seoul? Buy advance tickets for the airport limousine bus for various pickups in Seoul.

AREX from Seoul Station

If you need to get to the airport, you can easily connect to the AREX airport train from Seoul Station . AREX stops at both, Gimpo Airport (domestic airport) and Incheon International Airport . AREX hours: 5:23am (first train) to 10:48pm (last train). Duration: 43 min ride . Buy your one-way AREX ticket in advance here .

Getting to Seoul from Daegu… how do you do it?

Related Reads on Transportation:

Life in Korea: getting around rural Korea by bus

Life in Korea: taking a train to all parts Korea

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