Subway Line 3 runs directly from Gangnam Station to Anguk Station with no transfers, taking about 25 minutes. From Anguk, walk 10 minutes south through Insadong to reach Ikseon-dong. Total: about 35 minutes and 1,500 won. The same Line 3 route also connects to Bukchon Hanok Village and Gyeongbokgung Palace.
Quick Answer: Subway Line 3 from Gangnam Station to Anguk Station, then 10 minutes walk south: 35 minutes, 1,500 won, no transfers. Walk south from Anguk Exit 2 through Insadong toward Jongno 3-ga and Ikseon-dong.
Best Route
Line 3 to Anguk, walk south (recommended): From Gangnam Station (Line 3, 338), take Line 3 northbound 8 stops to Anguk Station (328). About 25 minutes, 1,500 won. Walk south from Exit 2 through Insadong (the
Alternative: Take Line 3 one more stop past Anguk to reach the Jongno area, or change to Line 1 at Jongno 3-ga from Anguk via bus. The walk through Insadong from Anguk is the most pleasant and practical approach.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: At Gangnam Station (Line 3, 338), board Line 3 northbound toward the Daehwa direction. Ride 8 stops and about 25 minutes to Anguk Station (328). The train passes through Sinnonhyeon, Express Bus Terminal, Gyodae, Chungmuro, and other central Seoul stations.
Step 2: Exit Anguk Station from Exit 2. Walk south along Insadong-gil. The street is lined with traditional crafts shops, tea houses, and the Ssamziegil courtyard market. About 10 minutes south of the Jongno 3-ga and Ikseon-dong area.
Step 3: Enter Ikseon-dong from the alley entrance near Jongno 3-ga. The hanok lanes of Ikseon-dong branch in multiple directions with specialty coffee shops, cocktail bars, and Korean fusion restaurants in converted traditional buildings.
Cost
Subway Line 3: 1,500 won with a T-money card.
Taxi from Gangnam: 10,000 to 16,000 won, 25 to 35 minutes.
Travel Time
Gangnam to Ikseon-dong: approximately 35 to 40 minutes by subway and walk. The direct Line 3 makes this a single-train journey from Gangnam, with the walk through Insadong as a pleasant bonus.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Gangnam to Ikseon-dong costs approximately 10,000 to 16,000 won and takes 25 to 35 minutes. The subway is generally faster and far cheaper. Taxis are most practical late in the evening when returning from Ikseon-dong.
Best Option with Luggage
Leave large bags at your Gangnam hotel. The subway is accessible,e and Anguk Station has elevators. The Ikseon-dong alleys are narrow and cobbled.
Best Option Late at Night
Ikseon-dong bars are open from 11 pm to 1 am on weekends. Line 3 from Anguk back to Gangnam runs until after midnight.
Nearby Guides
- Ikseon-dong Guide
- Insadong Guide
- Bukchon Hanok Village Guide
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide
- Gangnam Guide
- Seoul Travel Guide
- Seoul in 3 Days
FAQ
Can I combine Bukchon, Insadong, and Ikseon-dong from Gangnam?
Yes. Take Line 3 to Anguk. Visit Bukchon Hanok Village (10 minutes north of Anguk), then walk south through Insadong (the
Is the walk through Insadong from Anguk to Ikseon-dong enjoyable?
Yes. The 10-minute walk passes through the Insadong traditional arts shopping street, the Ssamziegil courtyard market, and some of Seoul’s most characterful old buildings before arriving at the Ikseon-dong alley entrance.
What other Ikseon-dong routes are there?
From Myeongdong, take the subway to Anguk Station, then walk through Insadong toward Ikseon-dong. Inside Ikseon-dong, allow at least 90 minutes. The main alley branches into smaller lanes filled with specialty cafés, traditional tea houses, natural wine bars, cocktail bars, and small restaurants. There is no single must-see attraction. The appeal is the mix of lanes, hanok architecture, and places to eat and drink.
The walk from Anguk through Insadong adds value. Spend 30 to 45 minutes browsing Insadong’s arts street before continuing south. For fewer crowds, visit on a weekday between 11 am and 3 pm.
Ikseon-dong also pairs well with Bukchon Hanok Village. Visit Bukchon in the morning, then Ikseon-dong in the afternoon for a slower traditional Seoul walking route.
