Did you know if you’re hanging out in Hongdae, Hongdae Station is not the only way you can get to the Hongdae area? Find out these Seoul subway shortcuts that can only come with local knowledge. These tips will help you save some time by eliminating unnecessary transfers and also allowing you to travel to other places to hang out in Seoul easier.
(Click on maps for larger images)
Myeongdong
How to get to Myeongdong: Myeongdong Station(명동역), line 4, exit 6 or Euljiro 1-ga Station (을지로입구역), line 2, exit 5
Myeongdong is a famous shopping district of Seoul and mega tourist hot spot. Sure, taking Seoul line number 4 to Myeongdong Station and getting out at exit 6 will get you to the heart of Myeongdong, but you can also take line number 2 and get off at Euljiro 1-ga Station. This can be better if you’re going to or coming from other popular places to hang out in Seoul (Hongdae, Gangnam, Shinchon, Coex, etc.). Leave exit 5 of Euljiro 1-ga Station and keep walking until you see the entrance to Myeongdong on your left.
Hongdae Station
How to get to Hongdae: Hongdae University Station (홍대입구역), line 2, exit 9 or Sangsu Station (상수역), line 6, exit 1 or 2
Hongdae is a poppin college town with tons of restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, shopping streets, and anything else you can think of. Some people are totally logical and can figure out on their own that going to Hongdae Station (line 2, exit 9) will get you to the main Hongdae area. But only do savvy Korea travelers know that Sangsu Station (line 6, exit 1 or 2) will get you to the heart of Hongdae just as fast. Sangsu Station is a good option if you’re headed to or coming from another Seoul hang out spot, Itaewon.
Gangnam Station
How to get to Gangnam Station: Gangnam Station (강남역), line 2, exit 10 & exit 11 orSinnonhyeon Station (신논현역), line 9, exit 5 & exit 6
Gangnam Station is huge and there are tons of places to hang out, but the majority of the hanging out is done out of Gangnam Station, line 2, exits 10 and 11. That’s where all the restaurants and bars are. But if you’re coming from Incheon or somewhere from north west Seoul, line number 9 (exits 5 & 6) might be the better option to getting to Gangnam. You might save a transfer, and you also might get there quicker as there’s also an express train. It’ll get you to the same general restaurant and bar area.
Gyeongbokgung
How to get to Gyeongbokgung: Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역), line 3, exit 5 or Gwanghwamun Station (광화문), line 5, exit 2
Gyeongbokgung is a historical Seoul tourist attraction that tons of people find by taking line number 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. It’ll get you straight to the gate; it is extremely straightforward. But if you want to kill two Seoul tourist attraction birds with one stone, you can also get off at Gwangwamun Station (line 5, exit 2). Although the station is a few minutes farther than Gyeongbokgung, there’s a few other Seoul tourist attractions, such as Cheonggyecheon and Gwanghwamun Square, you can see before or after your trip to Gyeongbokgung.
Insadong
How to get to Insadong: Anguk Station (안국역), line 3, exit 6 or Jonggak Station (종각역), line 5, exit 3
Insadong is a Seoul sightseeing attraction because of the traditional Korean cultural experience that can be found (i.e. Korean crafts, antiques, art, tea houses, etc.). Most places on the internet will tell you that Insadong can be accessed via Anguk Station (line 3, exit 6). But what local Koreans know is that you can save a transfer if you’re already on line 5. You can get off at Jonggak Station for a short little walk over to Insadong. If you are taking this alternative route to Insadong, you can also check out Jonggak, a centuries year old bell that is set in the middle of Seoul’s modern office buildings.
COEX
How to get to COEX: Samseong Station (삼성역), line 2, exit 5 or Bongeungsa Station (봉은사역), line 9, exit 7
The largest underground mall in the world, COEX Mall, was just recently renovated. It now includes some of the most popular restaurants in Seoul along with popular domestic fashion brands. Along with the renovation also came a new subway station. Originally, the only subway access was through Samseong Station, (Line 2, Exit 5). But if you get off of Exit 7 of Bongeunsa Station (line 9), you’ll now also be able to reach COEX as well. This is a great option if you’re coming from northwestern Seoul as the express train will get you there quickly. Also, you can stop by one of Seoul’s most beautiful temples Bongeungsa Temple (Exit 1) before heading to COEX.
Have your own favorite Seoul subway shortcuts? Share with us in the comment section!
No comments:
Post a Comment