Seoul Station and Hongdae are both on the AREX Airport Railroad line. The fastest route is the AREX All-Stop train, two stops, about 14 minutes, no transfer required.
Seoul Station is the hub where the KTX bullet train and the Airport Railroad converge. Hongdae (Hongik University area) is Seoul’s most popular neighbourhood for independent travellers. The connection between them is direct because both are on the AREX line,ne a fact many visitors miss, defaulting to a longer subway route instead.
Quick answer: Board the AREX All-Stop at Seoul Station toward Incheon. Two stops to Hongik University Station (Hongdae). About 14 minutes, around 1,450 won. No transfer.
Option 1: AREX All-Stop (Fastest, No Transfer)
- Step 1: At Seoul Station, follow signs to the Airport Railroad (공항철도 / AREX). The AREX platforms are separate from the main subway lines, usually in the deeper basement levels.
- Step 2: Board the AREX All-Stop (완행) toward Incheon Airport. Do NOT board the AREX Express (직통), it does not stop at Hongdae.
- Step 3: Two stops to Hongik University Station. About 14 minutes.
- Step 4: Exit 9 at Hongik University Station leads to the main Hongdae street area.
Cost: Around 1,450 won with T-money.
Frequency: Every 5 to 8 minutes during the day.
Option 2: Subway via Line 1 and Line 2 (Alternative)
If you miss the AREX or prefer the regular subway:
- Line 1 from Seoul Station: Three stops north to Sinchon, then transfer to Line 2 one stop west to Hongik University. About 18-22 minutes with transfer.
- Cost: Around 1,350 to 1,550 won, depending on the distance calculation.
The AREX route is faster and simpler. Use it.
Option 3: Taxi
Taxis from Seoul Station to Hongdae take about 15 to 25 minutes,s depending on traffic,c and cost approximately 10,000 to 15,000 won. The AREX is faster and significantly cheaper for this journey.
Arriving from the Airport
If you have just arrived from Incheon Airport, you can take the AREX All-Stop directly to Hongdae without changing at Seoul Station. The direct journey from Incheon to Hongik University Station takes about 55 minutes. See the Incheon Airport to Hongdae guide for the full Incheon arrival picture.
