Jungangno Station: A Hidden Passage of Interesting Activities to do for Summer

Whether we go to work or university, or when we meet a friend, date someone or visit our extended families, we use public transportation. Most of us prefer to ride the subway because it is the most convenient and comfortable or maybe for some, they just want to blend in so they would not feel alone.

   

Have you ever thought of exploring the station? I do! I am always curious about so many things in life and that curiosity led me to check out Jungangno Station (중앙로역).

According to the ever-reliable Kakao Metro app, Jungangno (중앙로) is located in the Red Line, Line No.1. Jungangno Station has four main exits and twenty sub exits. Upon exploring Jungangno station, I have discovered so many interesting things inside of it. Like other main subway stations, Jungangno Station has lockers to store our stuff, cafés and bakeries.

Daehyun Free Mall – Daegu Branch (대현프리몰) is also located in this station. It is one of the biggest underground shopping malls in Daegu. It also serves as a passageway to major places in Downtown Daegu such as Kyobo bookstore (between Exits 12 and 14), Lotte Young Plaza (Exit 9/11), CGV Daegu (Exit 2), Gyeongsang Gamyeong Park (Exit 2), Yangnyeong and Gyodong Market, Feb.28 Democratic Movement Memorial Park (Eixt 20), Fashion Jewelry Town (Exit 17), and Daegu Metropolitan City Hall (Exit 19). Wow! There’s just too many to mention. But there’s more to that which makes Jungangno a very much important station in Daegu.

Underground entrance to Lotte Young Plaza and CGV Daegu

Inside Kyobo Bookstore 

As I walk further in this station, I have also found out some other fun activities to do!

1.) Have your photo taken in one of the many photo shops in Jungangno Station.

You can get your photo taken inside the station or photos with your friends or a family portrait. Different packages are offered where you and your partner, friends or family can take photos in Korean traditional clothes (Hanbok, 한복) or old school uniforms (yetnal kyobok, 옛날교복). You can also get their services for your pre-nuptial or wedding photo-shoots. Price ranges from 8,000 KRW – 25,000 KRW per person.

2.) Be in style with Daegu’s fashionable jewelry.

You can buy some jewelry inside the station whether it is a necklace, a ring or a set, or rose gold or silver, you can have it at its lowest prices without compromising the quality. Best part? You can have it customized! *wink wink*

3.) Get to know Daegu’s long history on achieving high standards for safety.

Remains of Daegu’s infamous subway accidents are on display in memoriam of the victims and for information of the present-day citizens.

4.) 에휴~ Feeling tired? Take a minute and chill at Jungangno’s resting areas.

If you want to just chill and meet with your friends, meeting points and resting areas are present inside and outside of the station. The two fountains inside of the station, one in the center and in the end of the station invites everyone to feel refreshed. You can also enjoy watching performances, as there are also stages where small events take place.

   

5.) Get your ears pierced.

As my feet continued its work Inside of the station, it led me to a store where you can have your ears pierced. When your ears are still in pain, you can make your eyes happy by buying your accessories inside the same store. The piercing service costs around 8,000 while accessories start at 3,000 KRW.

6.) Know your future with tarot card readings.

When I saw the sign “타로” (Tarot), the first thought that came to my mind was, “OMG! Fortune Tellers still exists!” Personally, I have not tried asking for an advice from a fortune teller. However, I have seen fortuneteller offices not only in Daegu, but also in other major cities in Korea. Fortune Tellers are said to be able to let you know your future just by reading the palm of your hand or reading the tarot cards. Fortune Tellers, and their tarot cards, are only there for additional guidance. Just remember that you are the only person who is going to decide on what is going to happen in your future.☺

7.) Travel to the past through this record shop!

Growing up, I played my favorite songs through cassette tapes. Nowadays, no one uses them anymore. So, when I entered this store, I was delighted to see vinyl, classic tapes, and DVDs that still exist! Some of them are really old and second hand but pretty much working perfectly. Come and check out this cool Park’s Music store. They have a record from most genre. From classical to modern, hip-hop, R&B, and acoustic to metal/punk rock.

8.) Find that something special for your someone special!

Are you looking for some unique gifts? Look no more! There are shops inside Jungangno Station that offer customized mugs, tumblers, necklace, keychain, pins, cellphone case, clock, frames, etc. Name it, they got it. You can customize your stuff from 15,000KRW.

9.) Last but not the least...make your tummy happy :)

Jungangno station has a lot of food stores. For 4,000 KRW, you can buy pretzels, a sausage or a cup of drink from Auntie Anne’s. Also, there are different cafes where you can buy your ice coffee for only 3,000 KRW. If you are looking for sweets, they also have stores where you can buy macarons and meringue cookies for 2,500 KRW. And for 3,000 KRW, you can also have Manjoo (만주), a Korean traditional snack.

There are many things to do in Jungangno without actually exiting the station.  Moreover, Jungangno is so much more than just being a station, a passageway and an underground mall. You don’t need to go out of Jungangno Station anymore because this station has it all. I hope this article can give you a push of fighting that inner curiosity inside of you to explore this station and other stations of Daegu because adventure is out there! This summer, try to do different activities in Jungangno Station.

Arcade Gaming (오락실)

With the current weather of our beloved city (Daegu) being so unpredictable these days, it becomes quite challenging to enjoy your day without worrying about the weather.

With that in mind I decided to look around for something worth doing both during the day and night for just about anyone.

Luckily, found a childhood gem, an arcade game house!. Many grew up playing arcade games like Mortal combat, Street Fighters, Initial D, etc. So visiting one was like a train of memories for me, which made me decide to share this experience with everyone.

This arcade unlike the once back in the days is more pleasing to the eyes and very good for pictures :)

In this particular arcade, there are a lot of games to try out, ranging from baseball, speed hockey, racing simulator, shooting, etc.

The dynamic led lights and background music gives off a sense of fulfillment while enjoying your game.

I was able to have fun with my friend with less than 10,000 won as every game requires a 1000 won to play each time.

We tried the racing, basketball, shooting, punching and Hockey games, which were all enjoyable. As you can see in the above picture, you can also come and have fun with your loved one.

 Location

To find such a place depends on your location. I usually use kakao map to get around in Korea. So to find such place you can either search for “arcade game” or the Korean term “오락실” which is Korean for arcade game room. Doing this will give you a lot of options by distance, then you can choose the closest to you. Don’t forget to put on your gps when you search for it:)

    

Thank you, till next adventure:)

My Korea Story

1990's and 2014

This is my 3rd time living in Korea. I was first here in Korea in the 1980’s during the time when the Korean Air-Liner (KAL) Flight 007 was shot down. I was just a child in 5th grade attending the American elementary school on the military base in Seoul. I remember it clearly as I read it from a newspaper clipping that I cut out myself with scissors to display onto a cork board in the classroom. We shared current events daily which included USA national news, global headlines, and local to Korea interests. This event qualified as all categories. What is remarkable about this memory is that we...were never frightened for our safety. Even with media sensationalism, we trusted our governments to not escalate the tension with a military response. Our parents still put us on buses to school while they still went to work. Koreans did the same. Panic is not a characteristic of this culture and it personally taught me how to be calmest in the face of calamity. But we absolutely mourned together. What happened to Koreans, happened ALSO to Americans - because “we” have been connected for a very long time. We soldier together...we are neighbors...and we are friends. We are family.

1980's newspaper clipping printed

I lived in Korea for 3 years total and because I was a kid living in Seoul, I remember kid things. It was safe for me to walk through the city by myself. I never felt in danger of abduction or assault. Koreans loved children (American or Korean) always greeting me with smiles, treats, and hugs. The fresh fruits and vegetables were JUMBO sized! Giant carrots, cabbage, pears, and scallions especially. We toured beautiful far away mountains in the Autumn; and visited other cities in Korea for inexpensive shopping including TAEGU and PUSAN. We brought the family dog from the USA. She was a 15-pound gray poodle. The mandatory quarantine process was very, very long, but she survived it and enjoyed Korea as much as we did. I could read and write Hangeul and speak Korean because it was taught in the American schools as a culture class! My most glamourous memory is being on a children’s exhibition dance team invited to perform at a grand cultural center. What a unique thing for an average child to do! When we finally left I was grateful for the once in a lifetime experience.

The 2nd time I was in Korea 😲, I actually came back as a soldier in the United States Army. It is now the 1990’s and I am 23-years old. Married to another soldier. No children yet. I am serving as a Sergeant alongside KATUSA (Korean Augmentation to the United States Army) soldiers on the same military base where I was as a kid. The only thing that changed was the Dragon Hill Lodge Resort was built on top of the area where I would swim at the outdoor pool every summer, and Itaewon prices went from $5 corduroy pants to $40 corduroy pants (am thinking it was the inflation caused by the Summer Olympics). And yes! I was there when a North Korean pilot defected in a jet. Once again, I am in the middle of history happening! I remember the alarms going off in Seoul, but not witnessing any hint of debilitating fear. Koreans are stoic and resilient and must have influenced how I respect others in a reverent manner!

(left) Joined the Army in 1994, (right) 1990's photo - Lynda Johnson as Sergeant in Korea

I did get to tour the DMZ with my family in 1985. I actually got to return to the DMZ in 1997 for work! My preventive medicine duties required I study Malaria trends along the DMZ. Was I scared being so close to North Korea? Nope! I think I was more scared of actually catching Malaria from the mosquitos than any aggression north of the zone. I still enjoyed city exploring as an adult and awoke my tastes for international cuisine: Indian, Thai, and Korean! Taegu and Pusan had not changed too much, but I did get to visit somewhere new when I won a trip to Cheju-do Island. It was so restful and I discovered the brave beauty of the women divers there. I might still have my CASSETTE tape of Haenyeo songs!! I lived in Seoul for a total of 16 months and did not notice a drastic change over the decade I had been away. I changed from a girl to a woman to a soldier, but Korea was like coming home. Like seeing an old friend.

The 3rd time coming to Korea is NOW! I am here with my Army officer husband, am RETIRED from the military after 20 years (4 years ago), and a mom of 18-year old and 14-year old daughters. The dog I have now is 75-lbs and entered the country with simply a seal stamped health certificate. We (husband and youngest daughter – the eldest daughter is attending college) stayed in Seoul briefly before continuing to Daegu on official orders.  The military post was EXACTLY the same, but Itaewon and Seoul was NOT! It grew up. I got lost and had to let my childhood apartment complex and soldier villa just disappear into a concrete jungle forever. It’s okay. I was ready for new experiences down south anyway! The first thing I noticed about Daegu was the backdrop of mountains. There’s still a city and a river, but the mountain range intrigued me. I didn’t have mountains in my backyard in Seoul! This Korean experience includes hiking 4-8 times per month with both American and Korean ladies. I also volunteer hours teaching conversation English in a DIWA (Daegu International Women’s Association) Club, and bible study on the military post to both ladies and teenagers.

(left) Married another Army Officer in 2010, (right) Snow Day for Shenzi

There were missiles launched in the direction of Japan and Pohang earthquakes during my first 9 months back in Korea. You could say my friends in the USA were wayyy more concerned for my safety than I was. So THAT has NOT changed in over 3 decades! My daughter sees that I am calm, so she is calm. The legacy continues. And NOW there are PEACE TALKS RESUMED BETWEEN THE KOREAS!!! This. Is. INCREDIBLE. Like...wall coming down between the two Germanys incredible. Oh, and I lived in West Germany for that too in 1989...When I heard Daegu, Busan, and JeJu Island said for the first time after arriving back in country, I thought I had been pronouncing it wrong this whole time and that Cheju-do and JeJu were two different islands! Am glad to learn that the names were officially changed between my 2nd and 3rd times living in Korea. The fresh produce is still BIG and the Korean people still like the children! My daughter is having fun going to market on her own, doing homework at cafes, and even venturing the downtown bright lights without fear! This would not be wise in the USA. Where crime is expected in the USA, it is simply RUDE in Korea. May I say that I love our lives in Daegu?

It is not so much Korea CHANGED this 3rd trip, but the WORLD has changed! There is social media, rapid renovation, espresso on every street corner, and global entertainment obsessions in every city that considers itself thriving. I am happy to post pictures of my colorful meals, to hostess friends (Korean and American) in my Korean home, to sip mocha at a new place every week, and to smile at the young people who ADORE their pop idols. I also never realized how many English-speaking foreigners there are in Korea (Daegu)! Students, teachers, business persons, and spouses. I am excited to make many international friends here. I do plan on traveling to beaches and shopping outlets this summer. I might even take some local Daegu friends with me! I am very interested in Korea through THEIR eyes. Do we notice the same things? I definitely don’t want to MISS A THING this 3rd time around!!