Seoul Station Seoul
Seoul Station: A vibrant hub for KTX travel, shopping at Lotte Mart, and cultural exploration. Your gateway to Korea.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the rush hour crowds
Seoul Station Seoul
Best Time
Beat the rush hour crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seoul Station: A vibrant hub for KTX travel, shopping at Lotte Mart, and cultural exploration. Your gateway to Korea.
"More than just a station, it's a destination for shopping, culture, and seamless travel."
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Station
Don't just stay inside! Wander one street over from the station for better finds and local vibes .
🚆 Unlimited Transit Pass
Consider the Climate Card for unlimited subway/bus travel in Seoul. Cheaper than T-Money for longer stays .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Lotte Mart Seoul Station
Adjacent to Seoul Station
A massive supermarket and shopping complex offering everything from Korean snacks to household goods. A must-visit for souvenirs!

Culture Station Seoul 284
Seoul Station
A former train station now a cultural space hosting exhibitions and performances. A blend of history and modern art.

Namdaemun Gate
Short walk from Seoul Station
One of Seoul's historic gates, offering a glimpse into the city's past. Great for a quick cultural immersion.
Planning Your Visit
Navigate Seoul Like a Local
Smart Travel & Luggage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Station
Don't just stay inside! Wander one street over from the station for better finds and local vibes.
🚆 Unlimited Transit Pass
Consider the Climate Card for unlimited subway/bus travel in Seoul. Cheaper than T-Money for longer stays.
🛍️ Lotte Mart Haul
Allocate ample time for Lotte Mart; it's easy to get lost in the aisles of snacks and goodies.
🧳 Luggage Storage
Use luggage storage at Seoul Station if you have a long layover or early arrival.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Explore Beyond the Station
Don't just stay inside! Wander one street over from the station for better finds and local vibes.
🚆 Unlimited Transit Pass
Consider the Climate Card for unlimited subway/bus travel in Seoul. Cheaper than T-Money for longer stays.
🛍️ Lotte Mart Haul
Allocate ample time for Lotte Mart; it's easy to get lost in the aisles of snacks and goodies.
🧳 Luggage Storage
Use luggage storage at Seoul Station if you have a long layover or early arrival.
🚄 KTX Ticket Flexibility
You can often reschedule KTX tickets at the station if your plans change.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if exploring nearby areas like Namsan Tower.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Seoul Station is a bustling transportation hub that offers much more than just train services. Visitors praise its convenience for travel, extensive shopping at Lotte Mart, and cultural offerings like Culture Station Seoul 284. However, some find the sheer size and crowds overwhelming.
"Seoul Station also called Seoul Central Station is the main train station in Seoul, having trains going to Busan, Daejon and other big hubs. It is also connected to the Metro.
The Station is connected to a Mall like outlet which has Shops, Stalls and Restaurants. There are two information counters one inside and one outside, the staff inside are very nice and helpful(they know a little of English).
The ticket booking stand is inside.
There is a section to do it with counter staff and a section to do it electronically at a kiosk.
There are elevators and a lift aside from the stairs to get you down to the platform. However for my platform the escalator going down was not operational, fortunately the lift was operational as I had a big and heavy bag.
Furthermore there is an outlet mall next to the station called Lotte Outlets which is a multi-level mall with stores selling clothes, food and a supermarket."
Dr Reviews
"We took a train to Jeonju from Seoul Station. The Station was really really clean and authentic. There were limited space for storage so recommended to find luggage storage elsewhere. The toilet were super clean and many food stalls open early. The train arrived sharp as stated on the ticket, so be prepared."
Katethip Varanyuwatana
"To leave or reach Incheon Airport, the best option is to take the "All Stop Train". It’s the most cost-effective choice😍.
e.g from Seoul Station fare is 1,250 KRW for a 56-minute journey. "Express Train", will saves you few minutes 🙄 (43 minutes in total) but costs 9,500 KRW. Then "Airport Bus 6001"😢 is not competitive, taking approximately 90 minutes for a fare of 17,000 KRW."
Big Dream
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The AREX (Airport Railroad Express) is the most convenient way to get from Incheon Airport to Seoul Station. It's a direct line and takes about 43 minutes for the express train.
You can purchase tickets at the airport or use your T-Money card for the all-stop train. The Seoul Station KTX station is also a major hub for travel to other cities like Busan.Seoul Station is a major interchange for several subway lines, including Line 1 and Line 4 of the Seoul Metropolitan Subway. It also connects to the KTX high-speed rail network, making it a central point for both local and inter-city travel.
Yes, it's quite straightforward. You can take Subway Line 4 directly from Myeongdong Station to Seoul Station. The journey is short, typically around 10-15 minutes, and it's a common route for travelers.
To get from Seoul Station to Gangnam Station, take Subway Line 4 towards Danggogae and transfer at Chungmuro Station to Line 3 towards Ogeum. Then, transfer again at Express Bus Terminal Station to Line 7 towards Seongnam, and finally transfer at Express Bus Terminal Station to Line 3 towards Ogeum. Alternatively, you can take Line 4 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park and transfer to Line 2 towards City Hall, then transfer to Line 3 at Chungmuro Station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.
Take Subway Line 1 from Seoul Station towards Soyosan and alight at Seoul National University of Education Station. Transfer to Line 2 towards City Hall and alight at Hongik University Station. The journey takes about 20-25 minutes and is a popular route for accessing the vibrant Hongdae area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Absolutely! Seoul Station is the primary KTX hub, and you can purchase tickets for destinations like Busan directly at the ticket counters or machines. It's often possible to reschedule tickets here if needed.
Seoul Station operates 24 hours a day for general access, but specific ticket counters and services have their own operating hours, typically from early morning until late evening. The KTX trains run on a schedule throughout the day and night.
While it's recommended to book KTX tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times or holidays, you can often purchase tickets on the spot at Seoul Station. However, popular routes like Seoul to Busan can sell out, so booking ahead is safer.
Seoul Station is a public transportation hub, so there are no entrance fees to enter the station. However, you will need to purchase tickets for any train or subway services you plan to use.
T-Money cards can be purchased at convenience stores within Seoul Station and throughout the city. The Climate Card, offering unlimited subway and bus rides, can also be loaded at machines within the station and at various transit points.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Seoul Station is more than just a transit point. You can shop at Lotte Mart for souvenirs and snacks,
explore cultural exhibits at Culture Station Seoul 284, dine at various restaurants, and utilize services like luggage storage. It's a destination in itself!Yes, Seoul Station has ample luggage storage lockers available for travelers who need to store their bags temporarily. This is very convenient if you have a long layover or want to explore the city hands-free.
Seoul Station boasts a wide array of dining options, from quick bites at fast-food chains to sit-down restaurants offering Korean and international cuisine. You'll find plenty of choices to satisfy your hunger before or after your journey.
Seoul Station is generally accessible, with elevators, escalators, and accessible restrooms available. Information desks can provide assistance, and most platforms are designed to accommodate passengers with mobility challenges.
Seoul Station is large, so pay attention to signage. Utilize the station maps available or download a navigation app like Naver Maps or Kakao Maps. Staff are also available to help if you get lost.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The most popular shopping destination is Lotte Mart, a massive supermarket where you can buy Korean snacks, cosmetics, and souvenirs.
There are also various retail stores and duty-free shops within the station complex.Lotte Mart is the ultimate destination for Korean snacks. You'll find an overwhelming selection of chips, candies, cookies, and traditional treats. It's a great place to stock up before heading home or for gifts.
Yes, Seoul Station has a wide variety of dining options, from food courts offering diverse Korean dishes to individual restaurants. Exploring the streets just outside the station can also lead to more authentic local eateries.
Popular souvenirs from Lotte Mart include Korean snacks like honey butter chips, seaweed snacks, and traditional sweets. You can also find K-beauty products, Korean teas, and unique stationery items.
While Korean cuisine is prevalent, Seoul Station also offers some international fast-food chains and restaurants, catering to a diverse range of tastes. You'll likely find options like McDonald's or Subway.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the historic Seoul Station building offers a classic architectural shot. Inside, the bustling atmosphere of the KTX platforms and the vibrant displays at Lotte Mart can make for interesting photos.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas of Seoul Station. However, be mindful of other passengers and avoid intrusive photography, especially in restricted areas or when photographing individuals without their consent.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both the grand architecture and the candid moments. A wide-angle lens can be useful for the expansive Lotte Mart or the station's main hall. Don't forget a portable charger for your phone if you're relying on it for photos.
A short walk from Seoul Station leads to Namdaemun Gate, offering historical architecture. For panoramic city views, consider a trip up Namsan Tower, which is accessible from the vicinity.
Early mornings or late evenings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more atmospheric shots. During the day, the station is brightly lit, which is good for capturing details, but can be very busy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a break from the station, the nearby Namdaemun Gate offers a glimpse into history without being too overwhelming for kids. If time permits and energy levels are high, a trip to Namsan Tower provides stunning views and a memorable experience. Remember to get a T-Money card or Climate Card for easy subway and bus access, which is often more convenient than navigating with multiple tickets.
💰 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive taxis, rely on the efficient subway system. If you have a long layover, utilize the luggage storage at Seoul Station to avoid paying for a hotel room just to store your bags. Shopping at Lotte Mart can also be budget-friendly if you focus on snacks and smaller souvenirs rather than high-end items.
✈️ Day-Trippers & Layover Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Seoul's Public Transport
For longer distances within Seoul, consider the Climate Card, which offers unlimited travel on subways and buses for a set period (e.g., 7 days). This can be significantly more cost-effective than individual fares if you plan on using public transport frequently. If you're not getting the Climate Card, a T-Money card is essential. These rechargeable cards can be purchased at convenience stores and ticket machines and are valid on subways, buses, and even some taxis.
When traveling between cities, the KTX high-speed train is the way to go. Seoul Station is the main departure point for popular routes like the KTX to Busan. Booking KTX tickets in advance is recommended, especially for popular times, but you can often reschedule them at the station if needed.
Shopping Extravaganza at Lotte Mart
Many travelers use Lotte Mart as their primary spot for souvenir shopping. The sheer volume and variety mean you're bound to find something for everyone. It's easy to get overwhelmed, so take your time and explore. Pro tip: utilize the luggage storage lockers available at Seoul Station if you plan on doing some serious shopping and don't want to carry your haul around all day.
Beyond snacks and gifts, Lotte Mart also offers a wide selection of Korean household goods and fashion items. It's a fantastic place to experience a slice of everyday Korean life and pick up some unique items that you won't find elsewhere. Just be prepared to spend a good few hours browsing!
Exploring Seoul's Cultural Side Near the Station
Just a short walk from the station, you can visit Namdaemun Gate, one of Seoul's historic landmarks. This impressive gate provides a tangible link to the city's past and is a great spot for a quick cultural immersion. For those looking for a more expansive view and a bit of a hike, Namsan Tower is also accessible from the Seoul Station area, offering panoramic vistas of the sprawling metropolis.
For a more local and less touristy experience, as some travelers suggest, venturing just one street over from the main station thoroughfares can reveal hidden gems – small shops, local eateries, and quiet alleyways that offer a more authentic glimpse into Seoul life.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit