Securing available land for key projects such as the TK New Airport and various large-scale backfill sites, and establishing a blueprint for the Daegu-Gyeonggi region to leap forward as a megacity in the era of the "5-pole, 3-special" era.
* Future schedule: Public hearing (September 30, 2025) ⇒ City Council opinion hearing ⇒ Urban Planning Committee review ⇒ Finalization and announcement (early 2026)
Press briefing
Daegu City has recently established itself as the nation's largest metropolitan city following its incorporation into Gunwi County. It is facing a period of significant urban transformation, with the construction of the TK New Airport, the K2 and military base development projects, and the promotion of future industries like AX. Furthermore, to address persistent population decline and the concentration of population in the metropolitan area, the government's "5-pole, 3-special" policy and other proactive future preparations are crucial.
Daegu City has established the "2040 Daegu Urban Master Plan (Draft)" to transform these changes into new growth opportunities, establish the continuity and foundation of Daegu City's key core projects to prepare for the future in 2040, and respond as a leading city to national policies for balanced regional growth, such as the Five-Polar and Three-Special Plans.
The Urban Master Plan is the highest-level legal plan for urban spatial policy. It presents the development direction the city should pursue over the next 20 years, secures future available land, and serves as a guide for urban management plans and various related plans, serving as a compass for various spatial plans.
Meanwhile, Daegu City has established a plan (draft) in collaboration with the Korea Planning Association, which has the highest authority and expertise in the field of urban planning, and in particular, has operated a 'Youth Participation Group' targeting the current 2030 youth who will be the main players in the future society of 2040, and actively reflected 'the image of Daegu in the future drawn by youth' in the plan.
The core values of this urban master plan are "global hub, future industrial innovation, and improved quality of life." To achieve these, nine spatial strategies were proposed along with future vision, spatial structure, population, and developmental land availability.
▲ Vision of the future
Daegu's vision for 2040 is presented as 'Daegu, a hyper-connected city connecting the world, the future, and generations', and to realize the vision, three major goals have been set: △A gateway city connecting the world, △A vibrant city connecting the future, and △An attractive city connecting generations.
▲ Spatial structure
The spatial structure will be reorganized from the existing 10-center system to a "10+2 center system." These 10 centers will serve as commercial and business hubs, as well as IC-based hubs for adjacent metropolitan areas, strengthening their functions and enhancing urban competitiveness.
※ 10 major cities: Dosim, Dongdaegu, Seodaegu, Ansim, Seongseo, Chilgok, New K2, Suseong, Wolbae, Hyeonpung
Two new hubs were established in Gunwi. A "Global Hub" was established in the West Gunwi area, where TK New Airport will be located, to foster new global growth through economic and industrial specialization. A "Natural, Cultural, and Leisure Hub" was established in the East Gunwi area, to serve as a hub for tourism and eco-friendly leisure activities.
In addition, by establishing a '5+1 development axis', we will strengthen the connection with not only neighboring regions but also the five major metropolitan areas of the country as a radial development axis, thereby leading to balanced regional growth. In addition, we will establish a 'future new growth axis' in the north-south direction from TK New Airport to the national industrial complex and expand the 'natural tourism axis' from Bisulsan Mountain to Donggunwi, thereby promoting innovation and balance in Daegu.
▲ Population and development available land
To enhance urban vitality, Daegu was designated as a megacity with a population of 320 million, encompassing economically active and visiting residents, solidifying its status as a hub city in the Greater-Gyeonggi region. The available development area was set at 120 square kilometers, preparing for future spatial innovation in Daegu, including the promotion of key projects.
▲ Spatial strategy
In line with the future vision, nine strategies were established to create a 'gateway city', a 'vibrant city', and a 'attractive city'.
Gateway City Strategy: ① Global Hub, ② Metropolitan Hub, ③ Mobility Hub
We are building three major hubs to leap forward as a gateway city connecting the world.
First, to create a 'global hub' centered around TK New Airport that extends to the world, we will build a multimodal transportation system encompassing air, land, and sea, as well as a global industrial outpost.
Second, to create a 'metropolitan hub' centered on Dongdaegu Station and Seodaegu Station, the hub of metropolitan transportation on the Korean Peninsula, we will link ultra-wide-area railway networks such as the New Airport Railroad and Moonlight Railway.
Third, to create a "future mobility hub" that transcends physical limitations, we plan to build a rapid transfer system that connects key hubs, such as TK New Airport and K2 Depot, with adjacent areas and wider regions, with new transportation such as UAM and autonomous driving.
[Vital City Strategy: ① New Industrial Engine, ② Downtown Big Change, ③ New Economic Belt]
Industrial innovation to create Daegu, a vibrant city connecting the future.
First, in order to activate the "new industrial engine" that will lead the future, we will accelerate the AX transition and promote a major transition to renewable energy through connections between industrial bases such as K2 Houjikji and Susung Alpha City, thereby establishing ourselves as a future advanced industrial city with 5 poles and 3 special features.
Second, to achieve a "Big Change" that will revitalize the city, we will promote various relocation sites, build urban clusters, and pursue customized regeneration.
Third, to build a "NEW Economic Belt" of regulatory innovation that drives investment, we plan to introduce spatial innovation zones and regulatory-free zones, and establish an industrial belt centered on industrial complexes and a research belt centered on universities and startups.
[Attractive City Strategy: ① Smart Living Zone, ② K-Culture Center City, ③ Daegu Cool-Line]
Innovation in the spatial field to improve the quality of life of citizens by creating an attractive city that connects generations.
First, to create a convenient residential environment, a "smart living area" will be established, laying the foundation for a self-sufficient AI-based smart living area where people can enjoy housing, jobs, and leisure activities by combining specialized functions for each of the 12 living areas with smart technologies in everyday life.
Second, to leap forward as a "K-Culture Center City" with a prosperous residential environment, we will globalize based on our rich cultural and artistic infrastructure and establish a residential tourism system that allows visitors to enjoy the culture, performances, and festivals of the city center and Gunwi.
Third, to create a pleasant residential environment called the "Daegu Cool-Line," we will build a green and blue network that combines carbon neutrality with water and greenery.
Through this draft urban master plan, Daegu City expects to establish a spatial foundation for the growth of future new industries, leading to increased corporate investment and the creation of quality jobs. Furthermore, the city plans to enhance citizens' daily lives, expand opportunities for cultural enjoyment, and create a more pleasant residential environment.
As for the future schedule, it is expected to be finalized and announced early next year after going through administrative procedures such as a public hearing for citizens on September 30, hearing opinions from the city council, and deliberation by the Daegu Urban Planning Committee.
Kim Jeong-gi, Acting Mayor of Daegu Metropolitan City and Deputy Mayor, stated, "Daegu currently stands at a critical turning point for future spatial innovation. We must lead the way in shaping the future through concrete goals and strategies." He continued, "Through this plan, we will not only lay the foundation for Daegu's core projects, but also transform it into an even more dignified and promising city, a better place for its citizens to live."