Gyeongbokgung Palace is large, and convenient stations and exits vary depending on the entrance, viewing route, and nearby schedule. When departing from Seoul Station, rather than just memorizing the name “Gyeongbokgung Station,” it is better to decide which door to enter and whether to connect Seochon and Gwanghwamun.
From Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung Palace: Transfer to Chungmuro Line 4 or Line 3
From Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung Station, this is a railway line that transfers between Lines 4 and 3 at Chungmuro Station. The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace is about a 2-minute walk from Exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station.
1. Take Line 4 at Seoul Station toward Sadang/Oido.
At Seoul Station Line 4 platform, take the train toward Sadang/Oido and go to Chungmuro Station. The direction toward Danggogae is the opposite.
- Seoul Station → Line 4 towards Sadang/Oido → Get off at Chungmuro Station
2. Transfer at Chungmuro Station to Line 3 toward Daehwa.
Inside Chungmuro Station, follow the “Line 3” transfer sign and check the electronic display board for Daehwa, Gyeongbokgung, and Jongno 3-ga. Be careful not to get on the Ogeum side.
- Board Line 3 toward Daehwa
- After Anguk, get off at Gyeongbokgung Station.
3. The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace goes to exit 5.
The closest exit to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Heungnyemun Gate is Exit 5. Exit 5 is convenient for the National Palace Museum, and exit 4 for the western area is also convenient. During night events, some exit hours may vary.
- Gyeongbokgung Palace main gate: Exit 5
- National Palace Museum: Exit 5
- Moving toward Seochon: Compare directions for Exit 4
Decide before departure
Decide whether your goal is to visit the main gate or whether you want to go to the National Folk Museum, Seochon, and Gwanghwamun together. Be sure to check the palace's closing days, entry times, and event availability in the official information before departure to avoid any discrepancies in your schedule.
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
The route from Seoul Station to the city center may vary depending on the transfer station and departure time. Enter Gyeongbokgung Station or a nearby station as your destination and compare the walking routes leading to the actual entrance of the palace.
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
If you have a hanbok rental, stroller, or photography equipment, check the sidewalks and crosswalks from the exit to the palace entrance in advance. If you want to see Gwanghwamun Square and Seochon together, it is easier to walk in one direction than to take the return route.
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 weekends and during peak tourist seasons, waiting times and foot traffic may increase. Don't be too tight on your arrival time, and make sure you have a place to rest in case of rain or heat.
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.
- Official information regarding Gyeongbokgung Palace visit date and entrance
- Entrance to the palace and nearby schedule
- Transfer route on the day of departure from Seoul Station
- Walking path from the arrival station exit to the palace entrance
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
When going to Gyeongbokgung Palace, should I only use Gyeongbokgung Station?
You can also compare nearby stations depending on the entrance you want to see and the places you want to visit, such as Gwanghwamun and Seochon. Check directions to your exact destination.
What should I check before visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Closed days, viewing hours, events, and admission information may change, so please check the official information.
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.