The area around Anguk Station is lined with the uphill slopes of Bukchon, the main streets of Insa-dong, and the narrow alleys of Ikseon-dong. If you want to see all three places in one day, it's better to decide on your walking direction and stamina before deciding on the nearest exit.
Anguk Station Tour: Bukchon/Insa-dong exit route
Bukchon Hanok Village has many hilly roads. The representative route is from Anguk Station Exit 2 towards Bukchon Cultural Center, and Insa-dong can be separated from Exit 6.
1. Bukchon Hanok Village starts from Exit 2.
Take Exit 2 of Anguk Station and go up toward Bukchon Cultural Center and Gahoe-dong. As it is a residential area, please adhere to designated movement routes and visiting hours and avoid loud noise.
- Bukchon Hanok Village: Exit 2 → Bukchon Cultural Center/Gahoe-dong direction
- It's a hill so prepare comfortable shoes and water.
2. Insadong goes to Exit 6.
If you plan to see Insadong-gil first, it is natural to take Exit 6 and enter Insadong's main street. After seeing Bukchon, you can head down to Exit 1 of Anguk Station and continue to Insa-dong.
- Insadong: Exit 6 → Insadong-gil direction
- After Bukchon, Insa-dong: Descend from Bukchon towards Anguk Station South/Exit 1.
Decide before departure
Decide whether to go to Bukchon first or start from Insa-dong or Ikseon-dong. Bukchon requires consideration of the slope and residential area etiquette, so wear comfortable shoes and plan your visit time.
Subway routes vary depending on departure time, size of luggage, and travel speed of companions, even for the same destination. Enter your departure station and exact destination address into the map app, and compare routes with different numbers of transfers and walking sections instead of just looking at the recommended route.
How to read recommended routes
On Line 3 heading to Anguk Station, check the following station and exit signs. After leaving the ground, find walking directions based on the address of your first destination among Bukchon, Insa-dong, and Ikseon-dong.
When looking at the sign at the station, check the line color and number first, and after arriving at the platform, be sure to check the next station and destination one more time. Even on the same route, if you take a train in the opposite direction, travel time increases significantly.
Points to save time in the field
Bukchon and Ikseon-dong have many alleys, so it is easy to stop suddenly while looking at the map screen. Stay out of the way and check, and move quietly in residential areas.
Especially at large transfer stations, it is quicker to stop briefly and check the signs and map app rather than just following the direction people are moving right after getting off. Instead of looking for directions in front of stairs or escalators, move out of the way and check.
In this case, change the path
During the day on weekends, there is a lot of waiting and walking congestion in popular alleys. Rather than listing all the places, focus on two areas and stick to Bukchon’s visiting guide.
If there are significant on-site variables such as construction, events, rain, or commute times, the usual shortest route may not be the most convenient route. If the last train is close or an appointment time is important, save alternative transfer stations and taxi pick-up locations in advance.
Pre-departure checklist
If you save the items below before departure, you will avoid having to search again in a hurry at the station.
- Preferred places to visit among Bukchon, Insa-dong, and Ikseon-dong
- Comfortable shoes and weather preparation
- Anguk Station exit and first destination address
- Guide to etiquette for visiting residential areas
Please give priority to official guidance on the day.
This article explains the criteria for choosing a route. Train operations, fares, last trains, exit construction, and elevator operations may change, so please check the real-time route on the map app, station electronic displays, and official guidance from the operating organization before actually boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I go to Bukchon and Ikseon-dong in one day from Anguk Station?
It is possible, but it is better to plan around two areas considering the uphill climb, waiting, and walking distance.
What should I pay attention to when visiting Bukchon?
As this is a residential area, it is important to reduce noise and adhere to on-site guidance and visitation times.
Check Official Information Before You Go
Operating hours, fares, exits, and facility information may change. Check the official information and station signs below before travelling.