Daegu Line: Connecting Daegu to the Jungang Line
The Daegu Line (Korean: 대구선) serves as a critical piece of South Korea's railway infrastructure, providing a vital link between the Gyeongbu Line and the Jungang Line. Spanning 29.0 km (18.0 mi), this operational heavy rail line facilitates both passenger and freight services, connecting Gacheon station in Daegu to Yeongcheon.
Managed by the Korea National Railway and operated by Korail, the line plays a significant role in regional and intercity travel. It offers frequent connections to major hubs including Seoul, Dongdaegu, Gyeongju, Pohang, and Ulsan, making it an essential artery for commuters and logistics across the North Gyeongsang region.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Termini: Gacheon to Yeongcheon
- Total Length: 29.0 km (18.0 mi)
- Track Type: Double track, standard gauge (1,435 mm)
- Operator: Korail
- Primary Services: Heavy rail, passenger, freight, regional, and intercity rail
- Recent Milestone: Electrification completed on December 28, 2021
Historical Development
The origins of the Daegu Line date back to the early 20th century. The first segment, running between Daegu and Hayang, opened on November 1, 1917. Throughout the following years, the network expanded significantly, reaching as far as Haksan station in Pohang by 1919.
Evolution of the Route
The railway underwent several structural changes during its early history:
- 1921: A branch was opened from Gyeongju to Ulsan.
- 1935: The sections from Gyeongju to Pohang and Ulsan were integrated into the Donghae Nambu Line.
- 1938: The Daegu–Yeongcheon section was reconstructed using standard gauge (the international standard for track width).
- 1942: Following the establishment of the Jungang Line, the current section was officially renamed the Daegu Line.
Modern Upgrades and Infrastructure
To improve efficiency and connectivity, the Daegu Line has undergone major realignment and modernization projects. A significant relocation project, which began in August 1997, was eventually inaugurated on November 3, 2005. This project replaced a 14 km section from Dongdaegu to Cheongcheon with a new alignment that meets the Gyeongbu Line at Gacheon.
As part of these infrastructure improvements, a new 9.04 km spur line was completed to replace the old 1.3 km branch to Daegu Airport, running parallel to the highway west from Cheongcheon.
Electrification and Future Speed Capabilities
In recent years, the focus has shifted toward high-speed connectivity. Following strategic government plans to reduce travel times across the country, the Daegu Line was slated for upgrades to support speeds of up to 230 km/h, potentially allowing for KTX (Korea Train Express) service. A major milestone in this modernization was reached on December 28, 2021, when the electrification of the line was officially completed.
Technical Specifications Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Line Length | 29.0 km (18.0 mi) |
| Track Gauge | 1,435 mm (Standard Gauge) |
| Number of Tracks | Double track |
| Total Stations | 8 |
| Owner | Korea National Railway |
Station List
- Gacheon
- Sinpyeong
- Banyawol
- Cheongcheon
- Hayang
- Geumho
- Bongjeong
- Yeongcheon
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main termini of the Daegu Line?
The Daegu Line runs between Gacheon station on the Gyeongbu Line and Yeongcheon station on the Jungang Line.
Which company operates the trains on this line?
The line is operated by Korail, while the infrastructure is owned by the Korea National Railway.
Is the Daegu Line electrified?
Yes, electrification of the line was successfully completed on December 28, 2021.
What types of services are available on the Daegu Line?
The line provides heavy rail services, including passenger, freight, regional, and intercity rail services.
How long is the Daegu Line?
The line proper, from Gacheon to Yeongcheon, is 29.0 km (18.0 mi) long.