🇰🇷 Best Way to Get from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong | Subway Route for Just $1
Hello, this is Guide H ✈️
One of the frequently asked questions by those preparing for Seoul travel is
“How do I get from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong?”
In this article, I’ll compare three transportation methods from Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong,
and introduce the most economical and convenient subway route along with the actual travel process.
🚍 Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong Transportation Comparison
Bus
There are almost no direct routes, and many transfers in between make it inconvenient.Taxi
Convenient but the fare is about 30,000 won, which is somewhat expensive.
If traffic is heavy, it can take even longer.Subway ✅ Recommended!
Takes about 47 minutes, fare is just 1,850 won (about $1)
Fast, cheap, and the most reasonable choice for travelers.
🎫 Things to Know Before Taking the Subway
1. Transportation Card
- Use T-money or WOWPASS.
- Available for purchase directly at Gimpo Airport.
- Single tickets don’t allow transfers + require deposit refund → Not recommended.
2. Naver Map
- Google Maps is not accurate in Korea.
- Korea is a country at war and does not export map data overseas.
- Naver Map provides the latest data, accurate public transportation routes, restaurant reviews, and business hours.
🔎 Naver Map Search Results
When you search Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong Station route on Naver Map,
the following route is recommended first.
- Route: Airport Railroad (AREX) → Transfer at Seoul Station → Line 4 → Myeongdong Station
- Duration: About 47 minutes
- Total fare: 1,850 won (about $1)
- Transfers: 1 time at Seoul Station
🚇 Actual Travel Process: Gimpo Airport → Myeongdong
✈️ Arrival Gate → Subway Entrance
Gimpo Airport arrival gate
After getting off the plane and exiting the arrival gate, follow the “Subway” guide signs located throughout the airport.
Subway guide sign inside Gimpo Airport
It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the subway ticket gate.
🚉 Airport Railroad (AREX) Boarding
Airport Railroad (AREX) sign
Follow the signs and move toward the Airport Railroad (sky blue line).
Tag your T-money or WOWPASS at the ticket gate and enter.
Trains run at 5~10 minute intervals, and it takes about 22 minutes to Seoul Station.
There’s also space for luggage inside the train.
🚶 Seoul Station Transfer (AREX → Line 4)
Seoul Station Line 4 transfer sign
When you arrive at Seoul Station, you need to transfer to Subway Line 4 (blue line).
Since the walking distance is quite long, you need to walk for about 15 minutes.
There’s a place to tag your transportation card again in the middle, but no additional fare is charged.
🚇 Seoul Station → Myeongdong Station
Seoul Station Line 4 platform and train interior
When you arrive at the Line 4 platform, check for trains going to Myeongdong direction (Danggogae-bound) and board.
It’s only two stops from Seoul Station to Myeongdong Station. (takes about 3 minutes)
The train interior has well-displayed route maps and next station announcements,
so even first-time users can easily get off.
TIP:
Myeongdong Station is frequently visited by foreign tourists, so
multilingual announcements in English, Chinese, Japanese, etc. are provided.
If you have a lot of luggage, use the space at both ends of the car.
🚪 Arrival at Myeongdong Station
Actual arrival at Myeongdong Station
When you arrive at Myeongdong Station, check the exit that matches your destination and exit.
✅ Conclusion
From Gimpo Airport to Myeongdong, subway is the most economical and convenient method.
Total travel time is about 47 minutes, and the cost is just 1,850 won (about $1).
Seoul’s public transportation is cheap and has a well-organized transfer system,
so even first-time visitors to Korea can use it without difficulty.
Start your Seoul travel journey lightly by taking the subway to Myeongdong 🇰🇷