From Myeongdong, a taxi to Gyeongbokgung Palace takes about 10 minutes and costs 5,000 to 8,000 won. The subway route uses Line 4 north to Hyehwa, then transfers to Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station, taking about 20-25 minutes. Here is the complete guide to every option.
Quick Answer: Fastest option: taxi from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung Palace, about 10 minutes and 5,000 to 8,000 won. Subway option: Line 4 from Myeongdong to Hyehwa (2 stops), then connect toward Anguk and Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station (327). About 25 minutes and 1,400 won.
Best Route
Taxi (recommended for speed and convenience): A direct taxi from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung takes about 10 minutes and costs 5,000 to 8,000 won, depending on traffic. Book via Kakao T or hail on the street. The Myeongdong area has plenty of taxis. This is the most practical option if you are going directly to the palace.
Subway via Line 4 + Line 3: From Myeongdong Station (Line 4, 424), take Line 4 northbound 2 stops to Hyehwa Station (419). Exit and walk about 10 minutes west to Anguk Station on Line 3. From Anguk (328), take Line 3 westbound 1 stop to Gyeongbokgung Station (327). Exit 5 leads toward the palace’s main gate.
Bus option: City buses 109 and 602 serve the Myeongdong area and run toward Gwanghwamun and Gyeongbokgung. About 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. The subway or a taxi is more reliable for the journey time.
Step-by-Step Directions
Subway route:
Step 1: At Myeongdong Station (Line 4, 424), board Line 4 northbound toward Danggogae direction. Ride 2 stops to Hyehwa Station (419)—about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Exit Hyehwa Station and walk west along Yulgok-ro for about 10 minutes toward Anguk Station on Line 3. This is a pleasant walk through a quieter part of central Seoul near Changdeokgung Palace.
Step 3: At Anguk Station (Line 3, 328), board Line 3 westbound 1 stop to Gyeongbokgung Station (327)—about 2 minutes. Take Exit 5 for the most direct approach to the palace Gwanghwamun main gate.
Taxi route: Book via Kakao T from Myeongdong or hail a standard metered taxi. Give the destination as Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) or Gwanghwamun. The driver will drop you off near the main gate—about 10 minutes away.
Cost
Subway (Lines 4 and 3): 1,400 won with a T-money card. The transfer counts as a single journey within the integrated fare system.
Taxi: 5,000 to 8,000 won. Variable depending on traffic.
Bus: 1,400 won.
Gyeongbokgung entry: 3,000 won for adults, free for under 25 and over 65 with ID.
Travel Time
Subway: approximately 25 minutes from Myeongdong Station to the palace main gate, including the walk between Hyehwa and Anguk.
Taxi: approximately 10 minutes. Significantly faster and the practical choice if time is limited.
Taxi Option
For this particular journey, a taxi is genuinely competitive. The distance is short, the fare is low, and the taxi drops you at the Gwanghwamun Gate area without any walking between subway lines. Book via Kakao T for cashless payment and to avoid language barriers. See the
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi from Myeongdong is the best option for luggage. The Myeongdong area has a high density of hotels, and the taxi connection to Gyeongbokgung is quick and direct. Store large bags at your hotel before visiting the palace,e as the palace grounds are not suitable for rolling suitcases.
Best Option Late at Night
Gyeongbokgung Palace closes at 6 pm in summer and 5 pm in winter. Evening visits are not available except during special night illumination events held on selected evenings in spring and autumn, which require advance tickets. Taxis and the subway are both available for the return journey.
Nearby Guides
- Gyeongbokgung Palace Guide
- Bukchon Hanok Village Guide
- Insadong Guide
- Myeongdong Guide
- Seoul Travel Guide
- Seoul in 3 Days
FAQ
Is there a direct subway from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung?
There is no single direct line from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung. The subway requires at least one transfer plus a short walk between stations. A taxi at 10 minutes and 5,000 to 8,000 won is often the most practical option from Myeongdong specifically.
Can I walk from Myeongdong to Gyeongbokgung Palace?
Walking takes about 35 to 40 minutes through the Cheonggyecheon Stream area and Gwanghwamun Square. It is a pleasant route in good weather, especially passing through the center of Seoul. The walk passes Deoksugung Palace and City Hall along the way.
What is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Gyeongbokgung?
The Royal Guard Changing Ceremony at Gwanghwamun Gate takes place at 10 am and 2 pm from Monday to Sunday. It is free to watch and takes about 20 minutes. Arriving from Myeongdong by 9:30 am allows you to be positioned at the gate for the 10 am ceremony.
