When going to Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), you can make the route more stable by deciding on the subway route, station, and exit before choosing the bus route. This article focuses on the order of starting from the station, walking to the site, and returning to the subway, based on information on night view attractions released at Seoul Open Data Plaza.
For Sungnyemun (Namdaemun), check the subway route first.
In the original Seoul Open Data Plaza, the subway access information here is listed as “Walk from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2.” When going to see the night view, use this guide as a reference point from the departure station, and check the relevant route and exit signs first while inside the station.
At night, even at the same station, the pedestrian flow at each exit and the location of the crosswalk significantly change the perceived travel time. Entering the address rather than the place name as the destination in the map app and then checking the subway stop, exit, and walking route on one screen makes it easier to plan than relying on bus transfers.
Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) as seen through public information in Seoul
Sungnyemun Gate is the Namdaemun Gate of Hanyangdoseong, completed in 1398 (the 7th year of King Taejo’s reign). After the founding of the Joseon Dynasty in 1392, construction of Sungnyemun Gate began in 1396 (5th year of King Taejo's reign) and was completed in 1398 (7th year of King Taejo's reign). It was repaired several times, including in 1448 (30th year of King Sejong's reign), 1479 (10th year of King Seongjong's reign), and 1868 (5th year of King Gojong's reign). Sungnye is named after the Confucian virtues of benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, and the plaque is said to have been written by Prince Yangnyeong, the first son of King Taejong. Sungnyemun Gate is a two-story pavilion-shaped building with 5 rooms on the front and 2 rooms on the side, with the rainbow-shaped Hongyemun Gate in the center of the stonework. The roof is hip-shaped and the upper part is multi-panel. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was closed every night at Injeong (around 10 o'clock) and opened the next morning at Paru (around 4 o'clock). At this time, a bell was hung on the gatehouse to announce the time. Also, when the rainy season or drought was severe, it was a place where important national events were held, such as the king personally holding prayers for prayer and rain. However, the left and right walls were demolished during the Korean Empire, and it was damaged during the Korean War and repaired in the 1960s. It was severely damaged by an arson incident on February 10, 2008, and restoration work was completed in 2013. (Source: Palace Site Headquarters, Cultural Heritage Administration) * The night view of the exterior is possible even after the end of operating hours.
The night view is an itinerary to experience the lighting and surrounding walking environment after the sun sets. Rather than just looking at the viewpoint and moving quickly, you can reduce having to retrace your steps at the site by deciding in advance where you will stay after arrival, where you will take pictures, and the station you will return home from.
Look at the address and exit from the station to the site.
The published address is “40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul”. After getting off, rather than just memorizing the exit number, open this address again to start walking directions. Even in the same station area, the entrance to the park, the north and south ends of the bridge, and the actual entrance to the cultural facility may be different.
Before exiting the exit, check the station's electronic signboard and exit map first, and check the main street direction and crosswalk once more on the ground. Traveling at night is much easier if you choose a road with wide sidewalks and lights rather than taking unreasonable shortcuts.
Please check operating hours and entrance fees on the day of departure.
The published operating hours are “Tuesday-Sunday 09:00~18:00 * Regularly closed every Monday.” The paid/free category is registered as “free.” Nighttime operations, admission deadlines, and event date controls may vary from time to time, so please check the official website and on-site notices on the day of your visit.
In particular, access to some areas of parks, squares, and waterfront spaces may be restricted depending on weather, events, and facility inspections. It is a good idea to first decide on the end time of the tour based on the last subway train, and leave enough walking time to return home after arriving at the site.
Plan your way home around the subway.
The exit you used to come in is not always the best exit to get home. After finishing the tour, check again the nearest station entrance and the direction of the line you want to board before moving on. If the last train is close, compare routes with fewer transfers first, and within a station, select a platform based on the actual destination on the electronic display rather than the route color.
The subway access information in this article is a compilation of information registered in Seoul's open data. Train operations, exit openings, and pedestrian control may change in real time, so please use the Seoul Transportation Corporation and on-site guidance as the final guideline just before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
At which subway station do I get off at Sungnyemun (Namdaemun)?
Public data from the Seoul Metropolitan Government states, “Walk from Exit 2 of City Hall Station on Subway Lines 1 and 2.” Please check the map and station signs on the day of your visit for the actual exit and walking route.
Is it better to take the subway rather than the bus?
This guide focuses on how to first determine the subway route, station, and exit. However, if you are traveling after the last train, accompanying a vulnerable person, or in a situation where there is on-site control, compare taxis and other means as well.
Where can I check operating hours and admission fees?
Please check the original operating hours and usage fee information of Seoul Open Data Plaza and the official website of each location. Nighttime operations and admission deadlines are announced on the day of visit.
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.