Travel smarter with Seoul’s subway
Seoul is your one-stop travel destination where the old and new co-exist. You can don a luxurious hanbok while strolling along Seoul’s famous palace or visit an artsy village once set for demolition! With Seoul’s subway, getting to these iconic and unique attractions has never been Seoul easy!
The convenience Seoul’s subway brings is unparalleled; cheap and within walking distance to most of Seoul’s top attractions. If taking a cab has been your to-go method, here’s a double-take: Meters are now rising faster and the first price hike for cabs has been announced since February 2019. Still in disbelief? Read on to find out why Seoul’s subway is the better option!
Uncover Seoul the local way
Navigating Seoul has never been this easy with the T-Money Card! With a pre-loaded value of 5000 won, simply collect it upon landing at any pick-up locations and use it immediately. You’ll be glad to know that any unused balance in your T-Money Card is still valid for another 5 years; another reason to visit Seoul in the near future! Check out our handy subway guide for more details!
If you’re here to explore most of Seoul’s tourist top picks, the Discover Seoul Pass will grant you FREE access to 34 tourist attractions and you can even enjoy discounts at 29 tourist attractions within 24/48/72 hours! Looking for a budget-saving hack? Look no further.
Now that you’ve got your transportation cards all set, here are 15 iconic and unique experiences nearby Seoul’s subway stations!
Hongik University Station
1. Spend a ‘baaa-ry’ good time at Thanks Nature Cafe
Photo credits: @driftandfocus on Instagram
Definitely a baaary good time here, take your afternoon up a notch at Thanks Nature Cafe, Seoul’s very first cafe housing two fluffy white residents. These balls of clouds are stationed at a sheep pen area so you don’t have to worry about getting fluff in your food. That being said, here’s not the time to be sheepish so go on and pet them or take an up-close selfie!
#Klooktip: You won’t find the ultra-cute duo during summer as the resident sheep will be chilling out at a farm to escape Seoul’s humidity. Make sure to come during the cooler seasons if you’re here for them!
Photo credits: @mathintoo on Instagram
Not just a cosy woolly enclave, the Nature Thanks Cafe also serves some of the most flavorful desserts in Seoul such as their ice-cream waffle collection ranging from 5,000 won to 13,000 won ($5.83 to $15). Another popular dessert on the menu also includes the Korean dessert- bingsu, a mountain goodness of shaved ice layered with toppings like fruits, chocolate and more sweet treats for approximately 8,500 won ($10).
Address: 10 Hongik-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11am to 10pm
Directions: 10 minutes walk from Hongik University Station Exit 9
2. Unleash your shopping craze at Hongik Shopping District
Located just beside a university town, you can bet that this shopping paradise offer prices perfect for student budgets! Hongik Shopping District is a little world on its own, peppered with its fair share of quirks such as street performances, stylish store outlets for those looking for bold fashion styles and rock bottom price tags eager to please any thrifters.
Get bigger bang for your buck when you turn up on a Saturday from 2pm to 6pm. The entrance of Hongik University is transformed into a flea market with plenty of street performances
Looking for more budget shopping sites? Here are 9 other budget shopping top spots to soothe your itch for a retail therapy in the heart of Seoul.
Address: Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10am to 11pm (Note: opening hours may vary for different shops)
Directions: 11 minutes walk from Hongik University Station Exit 8/9
3. Indulge in cheesy goodness at James Cheese Back Ribs
Photo credits: @oakk_pn on Instagram
No questions asked this picture of grilled pork snugly wrapped in layers of cheesy sin is enough to get you sold. The seasoned American ribs are topped with jalapeno and sweet corn for that extra burst of flavour. To complete the BBQ experience, add on fried rice for the perfect finale. If cheese is in your DNA, this is one BBQ place you have to knock yourself out with.
Address: 145-1 Eoulmadang-ro, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 12.30pm to 11pm
Directions: 5 minutes walk from Hongik University Station Exit 8
Dongdaemun Station
1. Pose with the cutest murals at Ihwa Mural Village
Photo credits: @xueyay on Instagram
Seoul may be one of the most accessible travel destinations but Ihwa Mural Village is perched along an inclined hill. P.S: Be prepared to work those calories from your Korean barbecues off! It used to be a forgotten slum before the locals took it upon themselves to revitalise the village with creative murals. Thanks to them, we now have a series of aesthetic backdrops to update our Instagram feed!
Photo credits: @lifein.korea on Instagram
Photo credits: wiranurmansyah.com
Although Ihwa Mural Village seems like a fairy-tale sprung right from a movie, this is not just another tourist spot. In fact, there are residents still living within the area. We suggest making a pit stop here during the day to get that sunny glow up in your shot and to avoid disturbing the locals at night too.
Address: 49 Naksan 4-gil, Ihwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Directions: 15 minutes walk from Dongdaemun Station
2. Explore Seoul’s night scene at Bamdokkaebi Night Market
Photo credits: @strdwlndr on Instagram
Photo Credit: @hasyustudio on Instagram
Held annually across Seoul, Bamdokkaebi Night Market is a rendition of Singapore’s Food Festival, only bigger and better! Stock full of mouthwatering Korean street food, make sure to pop by before the sun sets and chope (minus the tissue packs) your squad a yellow tent for a cosy night out. You can also snag home some souvenir products such as caricatures and DIY items exquisitely hand-made by Korea’s young and upcoming artists.
Address: (Dongdaemun Design Plaza) 281 Eulji-ro, Euljiro 7(chil)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 6pm to 11pm (March to October only)
Directions: 7 minutes walk from Dongdaemun Station Exit 7
3. Spend your first jjimjilbang experience at Sparex
Photo credits: @bandiyoga on Instagram
Sparex is a much-needed break from the bustling city landscapes. Most visitors flock here to catch a breather after unleashing their shopping craze at Dongdaemun or simply eager to experience their first jjimjilbang experience! This is one popular retreat among travellers so if you’re worrying over a language barrier, you’ll be glad to know that Sparex’s staff are mostly bilingual.
#Klooktip: On a budget to Seoul? Why not free up 1 night from your hotel stay and spend a night at South Korea’s sauna?
Address: 247 Jangchungdan-ro, Gwanghui-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Directions: 6 minutes walk from Dongdaemun Station
Incheon Station
1. Realise your childhood fantasy at Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village
Photo credits: @june.bizarre on Instagram
Photo credits: @pcy_xiii on Instagram
If you haven’t had the chance to stop by at Ihwa Mural Village, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village is the perfect back-up plan for all the young at heart! The dilapidated village was given a new lease of life and it soon became the next thriving hotspot for cute and funky photoshoots. Needless to say, this is one attraction to curry favours from the little ones as well!
Address: Jayugongwonseo-ro 45beon-gil, Songwol-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Directions: 8 minutes walk from Incheon Station Exit 1
2. Enter the world of Jajangmyeon
Photo credits: @rico___chan on Instagram
When you think of late night suppers, jajangmyeon is one dish fitting for that guilty pleasure but how much do you know about the black sauce mixed with chewy noodles? For just a meagre fee, travel back in time and explore over 30 types of black bean noodles over the years. Housing not one, but 2 storeys of jajangmyeon, the history goes to show how much South Koreans love this iconic dish.
Address: 56-14 China town-ro, Seollin-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm. Closed on Monday.
Entrance Fee: 1000 won ($1.16)
Directions: 4 minutes walk from Incheon train station Exit 1
3. Slurp the best jajangmyeon at Gonghwachun
Photo credits: @thesophiashin on Instagram
Now that you have an in-depth understanding of the black bean noodles, wipe your saliva away because you’re just 5 minutes away from tasting it for real! Right at Chinatown, Incheon, this bowl jajangmyeon await inside a 4-storey building with over 100 years of history! Gonghuachun’s noodles are doused in thick addictive black bean sauce with premium ingredients like prawns and pork. Give it a good stir before inhaling the best Korean black bean noodles in history!
Address: 43 China town-ro, Bukseong-dong 3(sam)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10.30am to 10pm
Directions: 5 minutes walk from Incheon Station Exit 1
Anguk Station
1. Don a hanbok for that IG shot at Gyeongbokgung Palace
(FREE with the Discover Seoul Pass)
Just like how the Eiffel tower is a must-see attraction in Paris, the Berlin walls are an essential checklist in Berlin, you haven’t been to Seoul if you didn’t picture yourself in a hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace. K-drama fanatics can relive every moment from their favourite TV series and stroll within the renowned palace since the Joseon dynasty. Also, when will you ever don a hanbok with complimentary hair styling service if not now? Also for those in hanbok outfit get to visit the palace for free!
If your camera skills are not exactly flattering, fear not! Inclusive of hanbok rentals and make-up services, our professional photographers are here to immortalise your time at Gyeongbokgung Palace in high definition. Don’t just hear it from us, travellers from all around the world have given their thumbs up in their reviews! This is definitely one Seoul experiences worth every dime!
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm
Directions: 15 minutes walk from Anguk Station Exit 2
2. Revisit’s Seoul’s quaint heritage at Bukchon Hanok Village
The area of Bukchon was once a residential area of high-ranking nobles before the onslaught of wars and disasters ravaged the village. Today, you can explore a slew of cultural hands-on activities and museums on embroidery and art.
P.S. The quaint heritage makes a great picturesque backdrop too so make sure to rent a hanbok to level up your photo game!
Looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir to bring home? How about a hand-made tote bag or T-shirt made in Seoul? Learn the secrets of traditional art painting and indulge in a 40 minute therapeutic workshop. Not only is this a child-friendly activity, it makes for a great and practical gift too.
Address: 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 9am to 6pm on weekdays, 10am to 5pm on weekends
Directions: 11 minutes walk from Anguk Station Exit 3
3. Drop by Egg Drop for a hearty breakfast
Photo Credit: @tomodachichingoo on Instagram
Serving up some 3,400 won (RM12) worth of food porn is Egg Drop, a classic to-go french toast franchise tucked along the streets of Bukchon. An inspired rendition of the American toast, spare no hesitation and opt for the Sweet Ham Cheese and Avo Holic (stuffed with addictive slices of fresh avocado). The generous serving of fluffy scrambled eggs and light cream will leave you swooning for seconds!
Did you know that Egg Drop is one of Seoul’s most Instagrammable cafes? Sate your foodie cravings and uncover 10 other cafes worthy for the gram’.
Address: 28 Bukchon-ro 5ga-gil, Dohwa-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 11am to 9pm
Directions: 10 minutes walk from Anguk Station Exit 2
Samseong Station
1. Pop by Seoul’s stunning Starfield Library
Photo credits: @knottthings on Instagram
Photo credits: @changyenub on Instagram
Helm as one of the most gorgeous spots in Seoul, the 2,800 square meters of sheer aesthetic is enough to distract even a bookworm from an amazing story plot. The raving hype over Starfield Library is undeniable even if you’ve never set foot in Seoul before.
Address: 955-9 Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm
Directions: 9 minutes walk from Samseong Station Exit 6
2. Your underwater adventure begins at Coex Aquarium
(FREE with the Discover Seoul Pass)
Conveniently located just a 5 minute walk from the Samseong station, step into Seoul’s largest aquarium and be ready for an underwater adventure you’ll never forget. The Coex Aquarium is home to some of the most exotic aquatic species from deep within the Amazonian rainforest and the Andean mountains. Famed for its large variety of sharks as well, here’s the iconic Aquaman scene reimagined (without the shark-cracked glass panels)
If you don’t have a Discover Seoul Pass, you can still save a further 20% discount when you Klook your tickets to Coex Aquarium!
Address: COEX Aquarium, 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 10am to 8pm from Sunday to Friday; 10am to 9pm on Saturday and public holidays
Directions: 5 minutes walk from Samseong Station Exit 5 or 6. (Follow the Coex sign and you will come out at Millennium Plaza with the Coex Mall entrance in the back of the plaza)
3. Release your inner fanatic at SMTOWN Museum
(FREE with the Discover Seoul Pass)
Calling all SM stans! Whether you’re an ELF, ReVeluv, EXO-L, or a devoted fan to any of SM’s K-pop groups, reignite your fangirl/fanboy moments as you take a trip down memory lane to your favourite singers’ hall of fame and even step into a recording studio! You’ll be given an ID tag featuring your idol stans and don’t forget to drop by at their souvenir store to stock up on merch.
Don’t have a Discover Seoul Pass? Klook your tickets below to skip the queue and enjoy immediate ticket redemption!
Address: 3F, 513, Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
Opening Hours: 11.30am to 8.30pm
Directions: 5 minutes walk from Samseong Station Exit 5 or 6 and enter Millennium Square
Iconic attractions in Seoul
Of course, it would be a let-down if you haven’t visited Seoul’s top attractions; Everland and Lotte World. You’ll be surprised that these theme parks are actually a stone thrown away from Seoul’s subway stations! Other than your T-Money Card or/and Discover Seoul Pass, make sure to put on a pair of walking shoes and a zesty spirit!
Gilheung Station
Seoul’s must-visit theme park: Everland
No trip to South Korea is complete without a trip to the theme park! This impressive theme park is split into 5 massive themes, suitable for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a frenzy adrenaline rush, an up-close wildlife experience or explore a magical kingdom right from the fairytales, there is something for everyone! To perfect your trip, your Everland tickets are open dated e-tickets and includes skip-the-line advantage.
Conquering Everland could be a pain in the head if you have no idea where to start from.
Address: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm
Directions: Transfer to the Yongin Ever Line at Gilheung Station on the Bundang Line and take a free shuttle bus
Jamsil Station
Get your heart pumping at Lotte World
(Tickets are discounted with the Discover Seoul Pass)
Lotte World has both indoor and outdoor rides so if Seoul is ever stuck with a downpour, your next wet weather program is just minutes away! You’ll find all the classic rides you can find in a theme park at Lotte World and the much-anticipated Gyro Drop and Gyro Swing. Hold your breath as you climb 70 meters high before you’re plunged to the ground without any warning. Not to worry, this sprawling theme park has child-friendly rides for the kids to indulge in as well.
Address: 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 10pm from Sunday to Friday; 9.30am to 11pm on Saturday
Directions: Take the Subway to Jamsil Station Exit 4 on Line No. 2 and No. 8
Last final checklist
Before jetting off to Seoul, here are some essential items to nail your trip of a lifetime.
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