Seoul Station — where a Seoul trip begins
Seoul Station brings together the Airport Railroad (AREX), the KTX, subway Lines 1 and 4, and the Gyeongui–Jungang Line. It's where most travelers arriving from Incheon Airport first step into the city — and the gateway to the rest of Korea.
Lines at the station
Airport Railroad (AREX)
Connects to Incheon Airport, with two services: the express train (all seats reserved, separate ticket) and the all-stop train (just tap your T-money card).
Subway Line 1
Toward Jongno, Dongdaemun and Cheongnyangni, and south to Namyeong and Yongsan.
Subway Line 4
Toward Myeongdong, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park and Hyehwa. Myeongdong is two stops away (after Hoehyeon).
Gyeongui–Jungang Line
Runs via Sinchon and Gajwa toward Ilsan and Munsan. It does not go to Hongik University (Hongdae), Gongdeok or Wangsimni.
KTX and intercity trains
To Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon and the rest of the country.
Getting to popular areas
Myeongdong
Two stops on Line 4, about 4 minutes — the closest.
Hongdae
Two stops on the AREX all-stop train, about 6 minutes.
Gangnam
Line 1 to City Hall, then change to Line 2 — about 30 minutes. Or Line 4 to Sadang, then Line 2.
Dongdaemun
About 10 minutes on Line 1 or Line 4. Night markets and shopping malls.
Seongsu
Line 1 to City Hall, then change to Line 2 — about 30–38 minutes.
Finding your way inside
The station is spread over several levels and confusing at first: the AREX is on B2, the subway on B1, and the KTX on the second floor.
Transferring from the AREX to the subway or KTX involves a long walk. Follow the line colors and numbers on the signs and allow 10–15 minutes.
Each line has its own ticket gates — the AREX, the subway and the KTX all use separate gates.
Around the station
Lotte Mart Seoul Station
Directly connected to the station. Good for snacks, instant noodles, seaweed and other food souvenirs, with tax refund service.
Lotte Outlets Seoul Station
In the same building, mostly clothing and shoes.
Seoullo 7017
An old overpass turned into an elevated park walkway, reachable right from the station.
Namdaemun Market
About 10 minutes on foot — a market where locals do their shopping. Take a taxi if you're carrying a lot of luggage.
Storing luggage
There are coin lockers in several places, but the large ones fill up fast — grab one as soon as you arrive. If they're full, use the staffed baggage storage.
Good to know
KTX seats are reserved. Departure platforms appear on the display boards, so check at least 10 minutes before your train. Restrooms are on every floor; those inside the ticket gates tend to be cleaner. T-money works on the subway and city buses, but the KTX and the AREX express train need separate tickets.