From Seoul Station to Myeongdong, Hongdae or Gangnam
From Seoul Station, take Line 4 toward Jinjeop, with Hoehyeon as the next stop, for Myeongdong, or an airport-bound AREX All-Stop Train for Hongik University. For Gangnam Station, take Line 4 to Sadang and change to Line 2 toward Bangbae; with heavy luggage, allow for station walks and elevator routes as well.
From Seoul Station to Myeongdong, Hongdae or Gangnam
At Seoul Station, the signs to follow depend on where you are going. For Myeongdong, take Subway Line 4; for Hongik University, take the AREX All-Stop Train; for Gangnam Station, take Line 4 and transfer to Line 2 at Sadang. KTX, Line 1, Line 4 and AREX all meet here, so allow time to walk to your platform even though you are still inside Seoul Station.[2] The routes below follow the station order on official route maps. For last trains and service changes, check Seoul Metro's Cyber Station and the station displays on your travel day.[1]
If you arrive by KTX, look for 지하철 / Subway or 공항철도 / AREX signs rather than heading straight outside. Line 4 is light blue; its color and three-digit station numbers can help you find the platform.[3] If you have heavy luggage or find stairs difficult, look for an elevator route rather than simply the shortest one.
Myeongdong: two stops on Line 4
Go to the Line 4 platform toward Jinjeop and board a train whose next stop is Hoehyeon. Pass Hoehyeon and get off at Myeongdong, station 424, two stops from Seoul Station, 426.[3][5] Match the exit to your accommodation's address before leaving the gates. Myeongdong's shopping streets and underground passages cover a large area, so reaching the station may still leave a walk to your accommodation.
The Line 4 platform at Myeongdong Station.
The walk inside Seoul Station or the stairs in Myeongdong may be more demanding than the short train ride. Use maps and station information to find an available elevator exit, rather than choosing only the nearest exit.
Hongdae: choose the AREX All-Stop Train
Follow Airport Railroad / AREX signs to the airport railroad platform. It is separate from the KTX and Line 4 areas, so leave time for the transfer. Take an All-Stop Train toward Incheon Airport and get off at Hongik University, A03, after Gongdeok.[6] The Express Train does not stop at Hongik University.
The AREX platform at Hongik University Station.
Hongik University is an interchange for AREX, Line 2 and the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. The right exit depends on whether you are heading to the Hongdae shopping area, Yeonnam-dong or your accommodation. Check AREX's official information for train types and service on your travel day.[4] The AREX Express Train and All-Stop Train guide explains the difference in more detail.
Gangnam Station: check your direction again at Sadang
Take Line 4 toward Oido and get off at Sadang, 433, then follow the transfer signs for Line 2. On Line 2, choose the direction with Bangbae as the next stop: Bangbae, Seocho, Seoul National University of Education (Gyodae), then Gangnam. Get off at Gangnam, 222, after Gyodae. This route is for Gangnam Station itself. If another station is closer to your accommodation, choose a route for that address. On arrival, check which side of the main road has the exit closest to your accommodation.
The Line 4 station sign at Sadang.
The Line 2 platform at Gangnam Station.
When a taxi may be easier
A taxi may be a better option late at night, during a service suspension, with several bags or when stairs are difficult. Board at Seoul Station's taxi rank and show the Korean name and road-name address of your accommodation. Journey times and fares vary with traffic.
Before boarding, remember the three routes: for Myeongdong, Line 4 toward Jinjeop, next stop Hoehyeon; for Hongdae, an airport-bound AREX All-Stop Train; for Gangnam, Line 4 to Sadang, then Line 2 toward Bangbae. Check exits, elevators and last trains for the day you travel. See the Tmoney guide for transit cards, the beginner's guide to the Seoul subway for using the system, and the Seoul map app guide for finding the right exit for your accommodation. If you are still starting at the airport, compare the complete journeys to Myeongdong, Hongdae or Gangnam instead.
Photo credits
• Cover — Seoul Station exterior · LERK · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web publication
• Inline 1 — Line 4 platform at Myeongdong Station · LERK · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web publication
• Inline 2 — AREX platform at Hongik University Station · MNXANL · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web publication
• Inline 3 — Sadang Station 433 sign · LERK · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web publication
• Inline 4 — Line 2 platform at Gangnam Station · LERK · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized for web publication
Sources
• [1] Cyber Station — Seoul Metro
• [2] Seoul Tourist Guide and subway map — Seoul Metropolitan Government / Seoul Tourism Organization
• [3] Subway — Jung-gu, Seoul Metropolitan Government
• [4] AREX official website — Airport Railroad Co., Ltd.
• [5] Urban and metropolitan railway routes and station order — Korea Rail Industry Information Center
• [6] Hongik University Station A03 information and timetable — Airport Railroad