Hongik University Station is a large station where the Airport Railroad and several lines meet, but the Hongik University accommodation and performance hall, Yeonnam-dong, and Hapjeong directions require different exits and walking routes. Organizing the exact location of your accommodation before taking the airport train can greatly reduce confusion after arrival.
From Incheon Airport to Hongdae: Airport Railroad disembarkation and exit route
Hongik University Station is a large station where Line 2, Gyeongui-Jungang Line, and Airport Railroad meet. Choose the exit first depending on whether your destination is “Hongdae Street,” “Yeonnam-dong,” or your accommodation address.
1. Take the AREX regular train and get off at Hongik University Station.
The Airport Railroad regular train stops right at Hongik University Station from the airport. The direct train that only goes to Seoul Station does not stop at Hongik University Station, so check the type of train before boarding.
- Board the “regular” train bound for Seoul Station at the Airport Railroad platform.
- After getting off at Hongik University Station, check the destination area at the exit sign.
2. Separate exits from Hongdae Street and Yeonnam-dong.
For Hongik University, Walking Street, and Club Street, exit 9 is convenient. To get to Yeontral Park and Yeonnam-dong Cafe Street, take Exit 3 and continue towards Gyeongui Line Forest Road. For large carriers, please follow the elevator signs on the platform first.
- Hongik University Street: Exit 9 → Hongik University/Walking Street Direction
- Yeonnam-dong/Gyeongui Line Forest Road: Exit 3 → Yeonnam-dong direction
3. Check accommodation transfers to the end within the station.
Hongik University Station has a long connecting passageway, so even with the same exit number, travel time varies depending on which line you get off on. You can save on having to come back outside the station by swiping your accommodation pin on the map, checking the nearest exit, and then exiting.
Decide before departure
First, check which side of Hongik University Station your accommodation is on and where your actual destination is, such as Yeonnam-dong, Sangsu, or Hapjeong. It is more accurate to choose an exit based on the hotel’s main entrance or performance hall address rather than the broad area name “Hongdae.”
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
When moving from Incheon Airport to Hongik University Station, first check the same-day route, including the Airport Railroad regular train. Even on a route without intermediate transfers, travel from the airport terminal to the railway station and the exit inside Hongik University Station must be included in the total time.
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
Hongik University Station has a large floating population and each exit has a different neighborhood atmosphere. If you have luggage, rather than just looking for the nearest exit, check whether the road to your accommodation has wide sidewalks and how many crosswalks you have to cross.
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
On Friday evenings and weekends, there may be a lot of foot traffic in the Hongdae area. If you have a late flight, check the last airport train and check-in time at your accommodation at the same time, and prepare an alternative means of transportation.
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.
- Exact address of Hongdae accommodation/performance venue
- Airport railroad same-day operation and last train
- Exit to use at Hongik University Station
- How to check in to your accommodation if you arrive late
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 get from Incheon Airport to Hongik University Station without transferring?
You can check the route using the Airport Railroad regular train. For actual stopping and operating information, check the official information and map app on the day of departure.
Are all Hongik University accommodations closest to Hongik University Station?
No. For Yeonnam-dong, Hapjeong, and Sangsu, other stations or exits may be more convenient, so compare walking routes with the exact address.
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.