Take Subway Line 3 (orange) from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung Station. One transfer required: Line 1 from Seoul Station to Jongno 3-ga, then Line 3 one stop to Gyeongbokgung. Total: about 15 minutes and 1,400 won. Alternatively, a taxi takes about 10 minutes.
Quick Answer: Subway Line 1 from Seoul Station to Jongno 3-ga, then Line 3 one stop to Gyeongbokgung Station: About 15 minutes, 1,400 won. Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 5 leads directly to the palace main gate. T-money card recommended.
Best Route
Subway Line 1 + Line 3 (recommended): Seoul Station on Line 1 (blue) northbound toward Cheongnyangni direction. 4 stops to Jongno 3-ga Station. Transfer to Line 3 (orange) westbound 1 stop to Gyeongbokgung Station (380). Total about 15 minutes, 1,400 won.
Bus alternative: City bus 109 or 602 from Seoul Station to the Gyeongbokgung area. About 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Subway is faster and more reliable.
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: At Seoul Station, board Subway Line 1 (blue line) from the northbound platform toward Cheongnyangni or Uijeongbu direction. Ride 4 stops to Jongno 3-ga Station.
Step 2: At Jongno 3-ga Station, transfer to Line 3 (orange line). Take Line 3 westbound toward the Daehwa or Ogeum direction. 1 stop to Gyeongbokgung Station (380)—about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Exit Gyeongbokgung Station from Exit 5. Walk 5 minutes north following signs for Gyeongbokgung Palace. The main Gwanghwamun Gate is directly visible on the approach road.
Cost
Subway (Lines 1 and 3): 1,400 won with a T-money card—single-journey fare covering both lines as a single transfer.
Taxi: Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 won, 10 minutes.
Travel Time
Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung main gate: approximately 20 minutes total, including the subway journey and the 5-minute walk from the station.
Taxi Option
A taxi from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung Palace costs approximately 5,000 to 8,000 won and takes about 10 minutes. A practical option, particularly in wet weather or with luggage. Book via Kakao T for convenience. The taxi drops you near the Gwanghwamun Gate area.
Best Option with Luggage
A taxi from Seoul Station is the most convenient option for luggage. Seoul Station has coin lockers where you can store bags before visiting the palace. The subway with a transfer is manageable with standard luggage, but less comfortable with large suitcases.
Best Option Late at Night
Gyeongbokgung Palace closes at6 pmm5 pmpm in winter (November to January). Evening visits to the palace interior are not possible—the last subway from Gyeongbokgung Station on Line 3 runs until around midnight. The night illumination events at the palace (held on selected evenings in spring and autumn) require advance ticket purchase.
Nearby Guides
FAQ
Is there a direct subway from Seoul Station to Gyeongbokgung?
There is no single-line direct connection. The most straightforward route requires one transfer: Line 1 from Seoul Station to Jongno 3-ga, then Line 3 to Gyeongbokgung Station. This is the standard route and takes about 15 minutes.
Which exit at Gyeongbokgung Station is closest to the palace?
Exit 5 leads most directly toward the Gyeongbokgung Palace main gate (Gwanghwamun Gate). From Exit 5, walk north for about 5 minutes. The gate and the royal guard changing ceremony area are clearly visible.
What time does Gyeongbokgung Palace open?
Gyeongbokgung is open from 9 am. It closes at 6 pmm in spring and summer (March to October) and at 5 pmpm in winter (November to January)—closed Tuesdays. The Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at 10 am and 2 pmm on days the palace is open.
