'With his duty and training period complete, a Soldier visits the travel office to purchase a ticket to Seoul, Different from the Daegu train site, on Camp Henry, officials can speak English well and explain in detail boarding times, platform information, and departure and arrival issues.'
DAEGU GARRISON — Long regarded as the workhorse of the industrial age, the train continues to be a driving force behind getting people from all walks of life to their ultimate destinations. Whether it's for business or pleasure, rail transportation often plays a key role in defining the comfort and livelihood of a community. This holds true for places as far away as Atlanta, and as close as cozy Daegu, and for the latter, USAG Daegu and Area IV, it's the availability of the Korea Train Express (KTX) that makes getting from point A to Z hassle free.
This is especially good news for new Soldiers, family members, DoD Civilians, and retirees arriving for assignment in the Daegu area. KTX makes easy access to major cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daejeon a piece of cake. Other cities and towns can be accessed by Saemaul, Mugungwha--once the primary railway system in Korea before KTX made its debut. While both of the train systems use different lines and stopping stations, between the two, KTX is the nation's most innovative system.
Prior to the launching of KTX, normal transit time from Seoul to Busan would take up to 5 hours and 30 minutes. Thanks to change, technology and speed, that time has decreased by more than half, and understandably, led to an increase in the number of people choosing KTX over other available transportation methods. Newcomers and old-timers alike in the Daegu area soon discover the hustle and bustle of Dongdaegu Station to be a common occurrence. The station is one of four main train stations in Korea. It is also according to officials, one of the few stations where all KTX trains and standard trains stop--another plus, in terms of convenience, for Area IV personnel.
While easy access to Dongdaegu Station from places like Camp Henry, Camp Walker, and Camp George may take less than 15 minutes --barring traffic congestion, it's always a good idea to allow yourself ample time to reach your station destination. This piece of advice is good for everyone. However, community members not familiar with the area, might find themselves slightly overwhelmed, and as they make their initial attempt to utilize the train system, find it all a bit puzzling. However, should that happen, officials say there is no reason to despair. Instead, they say, anyone finding himself in such a situation need only visit the KNR Ticketing Office.
According to Lim, Gyung Ja, Manager of Railroad Travel Operations (RTO), Camp Henry, purchasing a train ticket has never been easier because of the availability of the service on the military installation. She said, "During the early days of the establishment of the KNR Ticketing Office, it was very crowded. Often, because of so many people, I couldn't even find my husband in the office." The KNR Ticketing Office was founded in 1988. Officials say that its primary goal still today is to issue tickets for rapid transit traveling and official work-related business.
Over the years, Lim has seen many people come and go. She's also seen changes in services--especially in the area of technology. "Because the internet has extended the social environmnent capabilities, walk-in customer service has been greatly reduced. So many people are issued their ticket through the internet or Smartphone. So, the environment for the foreigner has improved. Therefore, many people familiar with the Daegu area, will go directly to the train station and have their ticket issued in the lounge. So, most customers who come in to the KNR Ticketing Office, visit the office for tickets associated with official work. However, for those individuals or community members not familiar with Daegu, this office can be very useful," expressed Lim. Camp Henry is the only place within USAG Daegu, where train tickets are issued. As a result, the office is still a treasured part of the landscape.
For members of the community seeking to venture out and experience riding the train while in Area IV, just follow these steps: There are two routes to the Dongdaegu Train Station. First, take Bus # 401 across from Camp Henry's Gate 1. That bus does not require transferring to another bus or subway. Second, Bus #414 in front of Camp Henry's Gate 2. From there, transfer to Subway Line 1 on the Banwolang Station (Ansim side). From there, it's full speed ahead to Dongdaegu Station.
If any of that sounds too confusing, step back and take a deep breath, then visit the KNR ticketing office, located directly across from the Camp Henry ACS. "When a situation is strange, people are sometimes scared about going anywhere. However, just try to go to a good place by using the KNR Ticketing Office. Someone will be there to assist you, and maybe a strange thing will not be a difficult thing," she said.
